§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions he has had with the(a) Treasury and (b) Department of Trade and Industry concerning 3G mobile phone licences. [12570]
§ Mr. ByersThis Department had no discussion with either the Treasury or the Department of Trade and Industry over the awarding of the 3G mobile phone licences to the five successful bidders. Officials in this Department liaised with officials in the Department of Trade arid Industry over the production of the information memorandum sent to prospective participants in the 3G auction to ensure that it contained accurate details of the planning regime as it applied to telecommunications apparatus.
From time to time, officials in this Department liaise with officials in the Department of Trade and Industry on specific licence conditions, such as conditions requiring operators to explore the possibility of mast sharing.
§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what estimates his Department has made of the increase in demand for additional mobile phone masts that will result from the implementation of 3G technology; and if he will make a statement. [12569]
§ Mr. ByersThis is a matter for the individual telecommunications operators. However, the operators are fully aware of the importance we attach to keeping the16W number of masts to the minimum practicable, for example through mast sharing, and to ensuring that those which are needed are designed and sited with sensitivity and care.