HC Deb 26 March 2001 vol 365 c479W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the decision by the Radio Authority to award all regional digital multiplexes to MXR. [155564]

Janet Anderson

Of the 23 local digital multiplex licences awarded so far, five have been deemed regional multiplexes by the Radio Authority. Of these, four have been granted to MXR and one further regional multiplex licence (for Central Scotland) awarded to Switch Digital. Decisions on the award of all independent radio licences are a matter for the Radio Authority, in accordance with the criteria set out in the Broadcasting Acts. The Authority publishes detailed assessments, setting out its reasons for all such licence awards.