HC Deb 20 November 1997 vol 301 cc443-4
9. Mr. Ben Chapman

If she will make a statement about her Department's policy towards maximising efficient use of the radio spectrum. [15398]

Mrs. Roche

The Government are committed to the efficient use of the radio spectrum resulting in the creation of wealth, competition, quality and choice, benefiting operators and consumers alike. The Wireless Telegraphy Bill currently before the House includes a number of new powers to improve spectrum efficiency.

Mr. Chapman

I thank my hon. Friend for her response. Does she agree that this is yet another example of practical action by the Government in new technology? Will not that action benefit the whole economy? Does not this Government's action contrast starkly with the view of the Opposition who, through indecisiveness and backsliding, have managed to take two different views on the matter, one when in government and the other when in opposition?

Mrs. Roche

I agree with my hon. Friend. The Bill will provide the spectrum management tools to keep the United Kingdom at the leading edge of the information revolution. Our action contrasts with that of the Opposition, who have made a number of reverses on the Bill. When they were in government, they introduced a White Paper and also included proposals for the Bill in their manifesto at the general election. When we introduced the Bill in the other place, they welcomed it—but when it came to Second Reading in this House, the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood) denounced it and pledged vehemently to oppose it. However, in Committee last week, the hon. Member for Sevenoaks (Mr. Fallon) described it as a modest Bill and not of deep political controversy. I am looking forward to the Opposition's next U-turn on Third Reading.

Mr. Gray

Does the hon. Lady agree that, in reality, the Bill represents a tax increase of £1,500 million?

Mrs. Roche

Absolutely not. That is an incredible suggestion given that the proposals were not only in the Conservative party's manifesto—I assume that the hon. Gentleman stood on that manifesto—but were trumpeted by the former President of the Board of Trade. The Bill is not a tax-raising measure and it has been warmly welcomed by industry.

I understand that the hon. Gentleman has no stomach for the fight. On Second Reading, the right hon. Member for Wokingham said that the Opposition would keep us in Committee for months. I am glad to tell the House that the hon. Member for Sevenoaks gave up the fight after one week.