HC Deb 09 January 1985 vol 70 c446W
Dr. McDonald

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if his Department has put out to tender a feasibility study of the privatisation of the radio spectrum; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Butcher

No. But, following a recommendation in the Merriman report on the radio spectrum, Cmnd. 9000, it is the Government's intention, as stated in the British Telecom offer document — page 17 — to commission a feasibility study on the possibility of introducing in the future some form of pricing for the spectrum in place of or in addition to the present licence fee basis. I shall inform the House when the contract for the study has been made.