HL Deb 21 October 1991 vol 531 c115WA
Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Radio Authority will be interpreting the Government's intentions correctly if radio plays are excluded from the programmes of the first commercial national radio station.

Earl Ferrers

The Radio Authority announced that, in accordance with the conditions set out in Section 85 of the Broadcasting Act 1990, the output of the first independent national radio station to be licensed should consist, wholly or mainly, of music other than pop music. This requirement does not eliminate, but it naturally reduces, the time available for other forms of output. Specific programming decisions, such as the inclusion of drama, are for the licensee to make, subject to the requirements in the Act and any promises of performance which may have been made in applying for the licence.