§ Ms CoffeyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for Milton Keynes North-East (Mr. Butler), of 5 April,Official Report, column 1722, and his answer of 27 April, Official Report, column 662, on what date he expects all schools in the area for which the Communications Association has franchises to be connected to the cable network; and if he will make a statement. [22217]
§ Mr. Ian Taylor[holding answer 2 May 1995]: Schools will be progressively linked to cable networks as cable operators install their systems.
The existing cable franchises networks, covering some two-thirds of the population, are likely to be virtually compete by the end of 2000. The new local delivery operator franchises now being awarded, which permit radio delivery of services, are expected to extend cable type coverage to around 80 to 85 per cent. of the United 215W Kingdom population. The Radiocommunications Agency has announced plans for use of radio spectrum in more rural areas.