HC Deb 06 November 1997 vol 300 c257W
Mr. Woolas

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what meetings(a) he and (b) his officials have had with representatives of Children 2000 to discuss the possibility of a children's and schools' radio channel. [13369]

Mr. Fisher

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not held any meetings with representatives of Children 2000. I understand that when they met his officials to discuss the White Paper "The People's Lottery" they set out their plans for a children's and schools' radio channel.

Mr. Woolas

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what plans he has to support the establishment of a children's and schools' radio channel; [13371]

(2) what plans he has to ensure that one of the available digital radio channels on one of the new multiplexes will be devoted to children's and schools' broadcasting. [13370]

Mr. Fisher

My right hon Friend the Secretary of State has no plans to direct the Radio Authority in exercising its statutory responsibility to award independent radio licenses in the UK.

Mr. Woolas

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if the technology and planning permission issues have been addressed in respect of the transmission of the available 225kHz channel. [13368]

Mr. Fisher

The Radio Authority is presently considering the feasibility of using 225kHz for independent radio licensing. Any proposals put forward by the Radio Authority would need to be discussed with other countries by the Radiocommunications Agency under the International Telecommunication Union procedures which are designed to ensure that services can co-exist without causing interference with each other.

Mr. Woolas

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he plans to award a national radio franchise on the available 225kHz frequency. [13372]

Mr. Fisher

The award of national radio licences is a matter for the Radio Authority and not for Ministers. The Radio Authority is still considering the technical feasibility of using 225kHz for an independent national service.