HC Deb 26 February 1999 vol 326 cc477-8W
Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the Statutory Instruments made under paragraph 11(5) of Part III of Schedule 2 of the Broadcasting Act 1990; and what plans he has for further statutory instruments under that provision. [73146]

Mr. Chris Smith

Paragraph 11(5) of Part III of Schedule 2 of the Broadcasting Act 1996 sets out the restrictions on participation in companies holding digital radio multiplex licences. There have been no Statutory Instruments under that paragraph to date. As my hon. Friend the Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting announced on 28 January 1999, Official Report, columns 322–23, I intend to lay an order revising these restrictions before the House shortly.

Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to consult on the relaxation of restrictions on ownership of national(a) analogue radio licences and (b) digital radio multiplex licences. [73145]

Mr. Chris Smith

I consulted broadcasters, broadcast regulators, consumer groups and other interested parties on the relaxation of the restrictions on participation in companies holding digital radio multiplex licences on 26 November last year. I have no immediate plans to consult on the present restrictions on the ownership of analogue radio licences.

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