§ 24. Mr. Roger KingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking in advance of any future Broadcasting Bill to increase the choice available to radio listeners.
69. Mrs. Gillian ShepherdTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what he is doing in advance of any future Broadcasting Bill, to increase the choice available to radio listeners.
§ Mr. RentonAs I stated in my reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight (Mr. Field) on 26 January, at column 671, we have endorsed IBA proposals to award 20 contracts for community radio and a further contract for a station covering Heathrow and Gatwick. In addition, we have authorised BBC and independent local radio stations to provide separate programmes if they wish on each of their current frequencies.
§ 61. Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to widen choice for radio listeners.
§ Mr. RentonI refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 26 January to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight (Mr. Field), at column671.