asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if it is his intention to introduce before the summer recess a Bill controlling local radio broad-casting; and if his proposals will provide for private commercial interests in the management of local radio stations.

I hope to introduce a Bill to provide for independent local radio before the summer recess.

The proposed legislation will provide for the establishment of an independent local radio authority which will operate broadcasting transmitters. It will be a matter for the authority when established to appoint programme contractors for each station. The provisions of the proposed Bill would not prohibit private commercial interests from being appointed as programme contractors.