§ Mr. HayesTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry following his Department's announcement of 23 August on choice of frequency for microwave television 793W channels what progress has been made in exploring the feasibility of establishing networks at 40 GHz; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ForthAs indicated in the announcement on 23 August, technology to operate microwave television delivery services at 40 GHz exists, but development is needed to make equipment generally available. Consultations showed that a number of organisations are interested in developing equipment, and the firm decision to make frequencies available at 40 GHz should enable them to make decisions about the development and production of equipment in time for the new local delivery services proposed in the Broadcasting Bill. It will be for the Independent Television Commission to specify the areas to be served and to oversee the planning of the services.