§ 132. Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received about religious broadcasting; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorWe have recently received written and oral representations on these matters from a number of groups and individuals, and we are taking careful account of the views put to us. The Broadcasting Bill retains certain safeguards, closely based on provisions in existing legislation, against abuse of religious broadcasting. But it provides for a less restrictive regime for religious sponsorship and advertising, and would also allow Christian and other religious groups to own radio stations in the United Kingdom for the first time. More generally, it proposes a framework under which the number of outlets for religious broadcasting could increase significantly.