HL Deb 14 June 1989 vol 508 cc1505-6WA
Lord Gainford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they envisage, under the broadcasting proposals, that applicants will be permitted to bid for more than one Channel 3 licence.

Earl Ferrers

Under the ownership proposals which my right honourable friend the Home Secretary announced on 19th May in answer to a Written Question from my honourable friend the Member for Harrow, West (Mr. Robert G. Hughes), an individual licensee will be able to own two Channel 3 licences provided they are not both large or contiguous. The definition of large will be given in subordinate legislation. Applicants for Channel 3 licences will be permitted to apply for any number of licences provided they make clear their order of preference. Those who are successful in the bidding for more than the two licences to which they are entitled will be awarded the relevant licence or licences on the basis of their declared preference.