Broadcasting (Hansard, 23 June 1997)

§ Mr. Sheerman
To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what steps he is taking to increase the provision of local broadcasting by(a) radio and (b) television. [4739]

§ Mr. Fisher
The existing regulatory framework already allows for increased local provision.
The Radio Authority is required to secure a range and diversity of local services. Since its creation, the number of commercial local radio services has increased from 130 in 1991 to 177 in 1996. The Authority has also recently introduced small-scale alternative location licencees, and the number of short-term Restricted Service Licences continues to increase. These mechanisms provide a flexible structure within which more modest local operations can flourish.
The Independent Television Commission has recently published guidance on how it intends to implement the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 1996 which introduced a new category of licence for local services and special events—the Restricted Service Licence. Subject to spectrum availability, this new licence category will enable the ITC to oversee the expansion of local television services.
We aim to secure a wide diversity of broadcasting services, and local services are an important element of that diversity. The Government will monitor the effectiveness of the existing and recently enhanced licensing arrangements in providing more local services.

§ Mr. Sheerman
To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when he will next meet the Director General of(a) the Radio Authority and (b) the Independent Television Commission to discuss the conditions of ownership of local radio stations. [4740]

§ Mr. Fisher
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State meets the Chairmen and Chief Executives of the Radio Authority and the Independent Television Commission from time to time to discuss a variety of broadcasting issues. The conditions of ownership of radio stations are laid down in the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996 and the use of powers under that legislation is solely a matter for the Radio Authority.