Local Radio Development: North London Licence Option

HL Deb 11 January 2000 vol 608 cc95-6WA

Lord Harris of Haringey

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they expect the Radio Authority to make available a second radio frequency for use in north or north-west London; and, if so, when the new local licence is likely to be advertised. [HL483]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The Radio Authority announced in 1998 the possibility of advertising a further licence for north London, but the available frequency would offer more limited coverage than the licence awarded to Choice FM North London Ltd on 1 October 1999.

The Radio Authority is expected to review the priorities for future local radio development in the spring. It will be for authority members to consider the option of advertising a new north London licence against retaining the frequency for continued use by short-term restricted service licences in the London area, given the scarcity of spectrum for this purpose.