§ Mr. LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many FM access radio licences, as foreseen in the Communications Bill, could be issued to(a) the City of Manchester and (b) the UK; and how many of these will be found (i) in existing national sub bands held by the BBC and (ii) within frequency allocations currently suggested by the Radio Authority to carry future commercial radio stations. [106674]
§ Dr. HowellsThe evaluation of the 15 pilot stations, published by the Radio Authority on 19 March suggested that there may be as many as five frequencies available in Manchester, although the exact extent would need to be reviewed in the context of precisely-defined demand.
The precise numbers of frequencies available for access radio stations across the UK has not been established. However, there would be little point in legislating for a new tier of radio if there was not available spectrum. The Radio Authority's report on future FM frequency availability published on 4 March found that there was likely to be a significant, although still finite, resource for services of very small coverage.
Further research will be required into overall FM capacity for access radio. It is expected that this will be taken forward by OFCOM.
§ Mr. LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the Government expect to publish their draft Order facilitating access radio. [106675]
§ Dr. HowellsWe first need to consider the recommendations of Professor Everitt's evaluation of the 15 pilot stations. It is too early to say when a draft Order may be published.