HC Deb 19 April 2000 vol 348 cc543-4W
Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to delay the final rounds of bidding for the new mobile phone networks until after the Stewart report is published. [119688]

Ms Hewitt

Bidders in the auction of Wireless Telegraphy Act Licences for Third Generation mobile telecommunications spectrum have been kept informed of the progress of the work of the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones. The Government understand that the Group expects to deliver its report to the Government some time after Easter. It is planned to publish the report soon after receipt by the Government although definite dates have yet to be decided. If the auction is still in progress it is not proposed to hold any rounds between the receipt of the report by Government and its publication unless all remaining Bidders agree otherwise.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has chosen to re-tender the new round of bidding for the mobile phone network. [119687]

Ms Hewitt

The Government have no plans to re-auction Wireless Telegraphy Act Licences for 3G mobile telecommunications spectrum.