§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in negotiation with the French authorities towards agreed enhancement of South Coast television transmitters for those living in East Kent; and if she will make a statement. [135332]
§ Mr. TimmsNegotiations are continuing. The Radiocommunications Agency is in regular discussion with its French counterpart about sharing spectrum for our respective analogue and digital TV coverage requirements. These negotiations are conditioned by internationally agreed arrangements, and spectrum planning methods, for determining equitable spectrum shares. The close proximity of the two countries and the heavy demand for frequencies on both sides of the Channel requires difficult and complicated technical discussions to maximise the use of spectrum in both countries in a way that minimises interference effects. In some cases, compromises are having to be made on both sides to deliver TV networks, such as mutual toleration of the risk of greater interference for longer periods than advised by the international planning rules.
We are still in negotiation with the French authorities on acceptable channels and transmitter powers for digital TV from the Dover and Bluebell Hill stations in conjunction with the French requests for frequencies (and transmitter powers) for their own networks. Both sides are currently analysing the impact of each others' latest proposals and we hope to meet the French administration as soon as possible to take forward the discussions.