§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when he expects to seek international clearance for the additional frequencies for Channel 5;448W which areas not covered by the cleared frequency plan are expected to be covered by these additional frequencies arid using which channels; and when these frequencies have received clearance, what coverage Channel 5 should then have.
§ Mr. SproatInternational clearance for the additional frequencies for an analogue Channel 5 service will be sought by the Radiocommunications Agency on the basis of detailed proposals prepared by the Independent Television Commission. The Government believe that it should be possible to assign frequencies for Channel 5 to reach more than 60 per cent. of the population. The Government intend that a successful Channel 5 applicant would also have the option to simulcast the service digitally to around 80 per cent. or perhaps more than 90 per cent. of the population.