§ Lord Donoughueasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why satellite dishes in England are restricted to no more than 70 cm in diameter, thus preventing the introduction of dual-feed systems which would widen consumer choice; and whether dishes of 90 cm diameter are permitted in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and in northern parts of England.
Earl FerrersHouseholders in England and Wales have a general planning permission to install one satellite dish of up to 90cm in size in specified northern and western counties and up to 70cm elsewhere. The permitted size limit is 90cm in Scotland and Northern Ireland. In order to protect the environment for the residents, permitted development rights are given to dishes of the minimum size which are capable of receiving satellite signals. The size differential in England and Wales recognises that reception with the smaller dishes is not possible in northern and western regions.