HC Deb 15 May 2000 vol 350 c12W
Mr. Leigh

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for what reason religious groups are prohibited from applying for local digital radio licences. [121320]

Janet Anderson

Schedule 2 to the Broadcasting Act 1990 (as amended by the Broadcasting Act 1996) disqualifies a body whose objects are wholly or mainly of a religious nature from holding local digital multiplex or digital sound programme service licences.

Mr. Leigh

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many letters have been received by his Department since 1 May 1997 supporting greater religious freedom in broadcasting. [121323]

Janet Anderson

Since 1 January 1999, my Department has replied to around 16,500 letters on religious broadcasting. Figures relating to the period since 1 May 1997 are not available.