David Norris (Independent)

Regarding the question of radio advertising and the hours between 7 o'clock and 8 o'clock and 8 o'clock and 9 o'clock, with commuting times, there is little difference between these two times. Radio advertising is sold on a time-slot basis. Prime slots attract a particular rate. It is not conceivable that anyone could make the argument that there was an accidental overrun necessitated by a particular non-recurring circumstance. They could not make the case that it was accidental if they were selling it. The only advantage to a station would be if it were selling it as prime time slot. It could not honourably or legally do that. That, I believe, counters the Minister's argument. The Minister claims this is done to generate extra revenue. If a radio station were found doing this, it would be guilty of an offence.