§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what assessment she has made of the use of the Radio Joint Audience Research system of audience measurement to calculate the amount of levy on the qualifying revenues of national commercial radio stations; [149892]
(2) if she will adopt a system of electronic audience measurement to calculate the amount of levy on the qualifying revenue of national commercial radio stations; [149893]
(3) what assessment she has made of the effect on revenue from the levy on qualifying revenues of national commercial radio stations of moving from the Radio Joint Audience Research system of audience measurement to a system of electronic audience measurement. [149895]
§ Estelle MorrisNone. The calculation of qualifying revenue is a matter for Ofcom acting in accordance with the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 1990. Ofcom (formerly the Radio Authority) is required to draw up and from time to time review a statement setting out the principles to be followed in calculating qualifying revenue. Before doing so, Ofcom must consult the Secretary of State and the Treasury. This statement was last reviewed in November 1995. I understand there are currently no plans for further revisions.
§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will ask Ofcom to conduct a study into the accuracy of the Radio Joint Audience Research system of audience measurement. [149894]
§ Estelle MorrisNo. The accuracy of audience is a matter for the industry. I understand that RAJAR are conducting extensive research into the merits of electronic measurement devices.