§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what consultations she has held with the commercial radio sector about the relationship between its activities and proposed commercially-funded community radio stations, with particular reference to(a) the protection of the economic viability of existing services, (b) the requirement to offer specific and quantifiable evidence of any harm to that viability, (c) the establishment of clear and transparent rules for withholding any licence on the basis of harm to viability and (d) the interaction of OFCOM and her Department in determining these issues. [172960]
§ Estelle MorrisA public consultation of the draft community radio Order finished on 20 April 2004. We are carefully considering all the issues raised, including those from the commercial radio sector. In addition, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, Ministers and officials have met, or will be meeting, representatives of the Commercial Radio Companies Association to discuss these issues before the Order is laid. Officials will also discuss these views with Ofcom.