§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) when she expects Ofcom to invite applications for a new commercial radio licence in Cornwall; [137428]
(2) what changes she expects Ofcom to make in the process of (a) advertising and (b) issuing new commercial radio licences; [137429]
(3) when she expects Ofcom to resume the advertising of new commercial radio licences. [137430]
§ Estelle Morris[holding answer 10 November 2003]: These are matters for Ofcom. They will assume responsibility for advertising and awarding radio broadcast licences from the Radio Authority on 29 December 2003.
On 6 November, the Radio Authority announced the award of the local digital multiplex licence serving most parts of Cornwall, and the city of Plymouth, to South West Digital Radio Ltd.