§ Lord Mulleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they propose to issue the White Paper on future broadcasting policy and whether they will take early steps to clarify some of the uncertainties for the future of independent radio stations which arose from the recent statement by the Home Secretary.
Earl FerrersWe have in mind the possibility of publishing, within a few months, a White Paper setting out the Government's proposals for the future direction of broadcasting policy. As our Green Paper,Radio: Choices and Opportunities, made clear, the legislation concerning radio, which the Government will bring before Parliament, will need to incorporate transitional arrangements to protect so far as possible the interests of the existing ILR contractors. Discussions about the possible nature and extent of such arrangements will take place shortly between the Home Office and the Association of Independent Radio Contractors.