Early day motion 1535

That this House welcomes the amendment to the Communications Bill passed in the House of Lords, which completely removes the present disqualification of religious organisations from holding various types of broadcasting licences; believes that the current ban is arbitrary and discriminatory towards faith groups throughout the country and that the existing regime provides adequate safeguards to ensure licences are only awarded to suitable applicants; and calls on the Government to support the Bill as amended.

leave out from 'country' to 'applicant' in line 6 and insert, 'further believes that the proposed regime, incorporating a media plurality public interest test for media mergers, would provide adequate safeguards to ensure broadcast licences are only available to suitable applicants;'