§ Lord Mulleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will conduct an overall review of the structure and financing of radio in the United Kingdom, either by extending the remit given to Professor Peacock or by another independent inquiry.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Glenarthur)Under their terms of reference, Professor Peacock and his committee will be considering,inter alia, the effects of the introduction of advertising or sponsorship in the BBC's Home Services, including the financial and other consequences for the BBC and for independent local and national radio. As outlined in reply to a Question from my noble friend Lord Orr-Ewing on 23rd January (HL Debates, Vol. 459, cols. 372–373), an additional range of matters including the relationship with and implications for existing and prospective sound broadcasting services fall to be considered in the context of our study of how the development of community radio can best be taken forward. We hope to make a further statement before long.