§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what assessment he had made of the extent of compliance with the provisions of sections(a) 85 and (b) 88 of the Broadcasting Acts of 1990 and 1996 by the Radio Authority in its choice of successful bidders for selected area radio licences in the Solent/Mid-Hampshire area; [79814]
(2) for what reason he has not yet responded to the letter of 23 January 1999 from four representatives of companies which had competed unsuccessfully for selected area radio licences in the Solent/Mid-Hampshire area. [79815]
§ Janet AndersonI received a letter dated 25 January from four representatives of companies who applied unsuccessfully for radio licences in the Solent/MidHampshire area. I replied to this letter on 24 February and an additional copy of my reply was sent to each of the four parties on 30 March. My Department has no record of receiving a similar letter dated 2 January.
91WThe Radio Authority is responsible for licensing and regulating all independent radio services under the terms of the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996 and subject to review the courts. I understand the Radio Authority is content that the licence award to Southampton City Radio meets the terms of the Broadcasting Acts.