§ Mr. Madden asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many road signs on the M1 , M62 and A 1 refer to Pennine Radio and Radio Leeds and give the wavebands on which these stations can be obtained; if he will ensure that these radio stations are mentioned on suitable new signs erected on these roads; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThere are no signs giving the wavelengths of Pennine Radio or Radio Leeds on the M1 , M62 and A1. The only radio station signs on these roads in South or West Yorkshire refer to Radio Hallam and Radio Sheffield. These signs were erected as part of an experiment to assess whether such signs should be introduced nationally. The results showed an increase in the number of motorists listening to the stations but this still represented only a small proportion of the total.
As yet I do not consider public expenditure would be justified on a national network of local radio station signs on motorways and other major roads, but the broadcasting 43W authorities and the RAC are considering submitting proposals for a national scheme, including suitable sign locations to ensure equal treatment for the BBC and IBA stations. We await their proposals.