HC Deb 30 January 1986 vol 90 cc579-80W
Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many community radio stations he expects to authorise for London on an area or special interest basis; and when he expects to do so;

(2) pursuant to his answer of 16 January, Official Report, column 625, when he expects to receive the report of the advisory committee on community radio on the allocation of licences for the operating of area and special interest community radio stations.

Mr. Giles Shaw

The ratio of police officers to population in Solihull was one to 684 in December 1979, compared with one to 651 in December 1985.

The standard number of working hours for ranks from constable to chief inspector has remained 40 per week since 1979, normally consisting of five eight hour shifts and two rest days although overtime is commonly worked. Superintending ranks have no fixed hours, being expected to be available on a 24-hour basis.

Superintendents are allowed eight days "monthly leave" per 28 days period, and more senior ranks 1½days. In addition to public holidays, all officers have an annual leave allowance, as set out below:

Mr. Giles Shaw

The experiment in community radio announced on 25 July 1985 by my right hon. and learned Friend the then Home Secretary envisaged five stations in London (three neighbourhood, two community of interest) out of a total of 21. As to timing, I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply given to a Question from the hon. Member for Woolwich (Mr. Carwright) on 17 January at columns 715–716.

Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the right hon. Member for Brent, East on 16 January, Official Report, column 625, if he will list the persons and groups from ethnic minorities with whom the advisory committee on community radio has met.

Mr. Giles Shaw

A comprehensive record has not been maintained of meetings between members of the advisory panel, individually and collectively, and interested individuals and groups from the ethnic minority communities.

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