HC Deb 12 December 1988 vol 143 cc462-3W
Mr. Fisher

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many areas are going to be designated for community radio franchises;

(2) by what date the first batch of community radio franchises will be allocated;

(3) what criteria will be used to decide which applications for community radio franchises are successful;

(4) if any stages of the scrutiny of applications for community radio franchises will be held in public;

(5) if he intends to have public consultations before allocating community radio franchises;

(6) whether he will publish the applications of those who successfully bid for community radio franchises;

(7) whether it is his intention that applicants for community radio franchises will be interviewed by the Independent Broadcasting Authority;

(8) when it is his intention to place advertisements inviting applications for community radio franchises.

Mr. Renton

The Independent Broadcasting Authority's proposal to issue contracts for 20 new community radio stations was approved on 2 November this year. The geographical distribution of the new stations, the application procedure and the award of contracts are matters for the Independent Broadcasting Authority itself to determine, having regard to the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 1981.

Mr. Fisher

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many letters of intent have been received by the Independent Broadcasting Authority prior to applications for community radio franchises.

Mr. Renton

I am told by the Independent Broadcasting Authority that it has received 530 letters expressing interest in applying for a community radio station contract.

Mr. Fisher

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy on whether public bodies should be able to contribute funds to community radio stations for the purposes of specific community programmes projects or training schemes.

Mr. Renton

We propose that new legislation should permit public authorities (and voluntary bodies in receipt of public funds) to give reasonable financial support to local (including community) radio stations for the purposes of projects intended to provide a specific benefit to the community, to promote the arts, or to provide training under a scheme approved by the Government.

Mr. Fisher

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many community radio stations will be on(a) FM and (b) AM;

(2) whether any community radio franchises will be on the existing BBC FM sub-band.

Mr. Renton

Decisions on the assignment of frequencies will be taken after the IBA have received and considered formal applications for community radio franchises.