§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy on the indirect ownership of independent local radio stations by local authorities.
§ Mr. Peter LloydUnder the provisions of schedule 2 to the Broadcasting Act 1990, local authorities, and any body corporate in which a local authority is a participant with more than 5 per cent. interest, are disqualified from holding an independent local radio licence.
§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many local authorities have investments in holding companies with shares in independent local radio stations.
§ Mr. Peter LloydIt is for the Radio Authority, and not the Government, to enforce the provisions in the Broadcasting Act 1990 relating to ownership of independent local radio stations. It is, therefore, a matter for the authority to monitor investment by local authorities in such stations.