Written question asked by Simon Thomas (Plaid Cymru) on Tuesday, 26 June 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 2 November 2001. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Friday, 2 November 2001 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what his policy is on the renewal of Premier Christian Radio's analogue licence and its replacement by a digital licence.

Answer: Mr. Simon Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what his policy is on the renewal of Premier Christian Radio's analogue licence and its replacement by a digital licence. [1575] Dr. Howells: Premier Christian Radio has now withdrawn its judicial review proceedings challenging the Radio Authority's decision that it is disqualified from holding a digital multiplex licence and/or a digital sound programme licence. The Radio Authority advertised Premier's local analogue licence on 18 September with a closing date for applications on 8 January. All MPs with constituencies in Greater London (111 of them) have been written to inviting their comments. The date of the award will depend on whether or not the Authority receives any competition for the licence, but will probably be in March or April. Under the current legislation, the Radio Authority is prevented from awarding religious bodies a local digital sound programme licence. The Government are committed to bringing forward legislation in the forthcoming Communications Bill which would remove this prohibition. The position in relation to local multiplex licences is still under consideration.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1575; 373 c864W;373 c866W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Digital broadcasting Licensing Radio Religious broadcasting Premier Christian Radio
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk