§ Lord Mulleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What reply they have made to representations received from the Association of Independent Radio Contractors concerning the problems encountered by independent local radio stations, and to what extent these problems and the impact on them of advertising revenue being taken by the BBC can be considered within the remit given to Professor Peacock.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Glenarthur)There have been several exchanges of letters with the Association of Independent Radio Contractors. The Government are fully aware that in promoting opportunities for the orderly894WA development of radio broadcasting, including the possible introduction of community radio, they will want to consider carefully the implications for the existing radio structure and to ensure that there is a proper opportunity for consultation. As I said in reply to the noble Lord's Question on 15th April (Official Report, Vol. 462, col. 595), the terms of reference of the Peacock Committee specifically provide for the consideration of the financial and other consequences for independent local radio in the event of the introduction of advertising on the BBC's Home Services.