§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans his Department has as to the issue of new community radio station licences; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorThe Broadcasting Act 1990 created a framework for the development of a wide range of types and sizes of new independent radio services. Licences are awarded by the Radio Authority.
I am pleased to see that so far the authority has awarded 14 local radio licences and aims to continue to advertise about two further licences each month. During 1991 the authority also issued 178 short-term restricted radio licences, which a number of community groups used for special local events and to gain experience and assess audience reaction to their programmes.