HC Deb 24 May 1995 vol 260 cc647-8W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage to what extent the closure of BBC Radio CWR and other local radio stations will affect the BBC's statutory obligations in its charter. [25230]

Mr. Dorrell

The BBC's royal charter requires the corporation to provide such broadcasting services and facilities as may be required by any licence granted to, or any agreement made with, the BBC by the Secretary of State. Under the terms of the annex to its current licence and agreement the board of governors recognises that the BBC has a duty to undertake to provide a properly balanced service displaying a wide range of subject matter. Subject to meeting this obligation, it is for the BBC to decide how best to allocate its resources.

Mr. Jim Cunnigham

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many licences have been issued to private radio stations to replace those stations that will be reduced or merged by the BBC. [25229]

Mr. Dorrell

It is for the Radio Authority to determine the pattern for licensing independent local radio stations.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what discussions he has had with the BBC management following the decisions to close BBC Radio CWR and other local BBC radio stations, in respect of the transparency of the BBC's decision-making progress. [25226]

Mr. Dorrell

None. The transparency of the BBC's decision-making process is a subject which is being reviewed in the context of discussions about its new charter and agreement.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make it his policy to demand full disclosure of the BBC's future financial plans with particular regard to(a) programme production and (b) local services. [25227]

Mr. Dorrell

The White Paper on the future of the BBC proposed that the BBC should publish objectives for each of its services and for programme production, and should undertake public consultation prior to making any material change to the nature of its services.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many local radio stations are to be merged with other radio stations; and if he will list the radio stations that will be merged or lose their licence to broadcast. [25228]

Mr. Dorrell

These are matters for the BBC and the Radio Authority. It is for the BBC to determine what local radio services it will provide and for the Radio Authority to license and oversee the development of independent local radio.