§ Mr. Greg Knightasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the criteria adopted by the Independent Broadcasting Authority when awarding radio and television franchises; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdThe IBA is under a statutory duty to provide television and local radio programmes which, inter alia, maintain a high general standard in all respects. the procedure and considerations adopted by the authority in appointing contractors to provide programmes which meet the statutory requirements are, under the Broadcasting Act 1981, a matter for the IBA.