asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications have been received for the experimental community radio licences; and if he will make available the names and addresses of the applicants.

Preliminary scrutiny of the applications received by the closing date of 31 October has shown there to be a total of 266 applications for the 21 experimental licences (some for more than one licence), as follows:

	Number of applications
Small neighbourhood stations in
Aylesbury	5
Calderdale	2
Dumfries	2
Cambridge	4
Colchester	5
Lincoln	6
London (three stations)	83
Penzance	3
Purbeck	2
Solihull	9
Rhondda	1
Rutland	3
Sunderland	3
Wirral	6
Large neighbourhood stations in
North West Wales	11
Shetland islands	2
Community of interest stations in
Greater Manchester	16
North London	69
South London	34
Total	266

I have placed in the Library a full list of the names and addresses of the contacts specified on each application form. Copies of, or extracts from, the list are being made available on request, to the press and other interested parties.The advisory panel on community radio, which will advise on selection of the successful applicants, is now considering the applications. The panel hopes to be able to make recommendations to me in January.