HC Deb 17 March 1997 vol 292 cc386-7W
Ms Walley

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the number of masts and antennae required to meet the projected growth in the use of mobile telephones over the next five years; and if he will make a statement. [19826]

Mr. Ian Taylor

The number of telecommunications masts required by an operator depends largely on the future coverage planned by that operator, the future volume of traffic it expects on its network in any specific area, and technological developments in antenna design. No estimates are made of the number of masts required by operators over future years since these factors are commercial matters for each individual operator.

The erection of telecommunications masts is regulated by the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the licence issued to operators under the Telecommunications Act 1984. The Government regard mast sharing as highly desirable in order to help keep the number of masts to a minimum, and require mobile phone operators to take all reasonable steps to investigate using an existing mast or other structure before seeking to erect a new mast.

Ms Walley

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what guidance he has issued on the installation of antennae required for mobile telephones(a) on school buildings and (b) on other locations used by (i)children and (ii) the sick; and if he will make a statement. [19827]

Mr. Taylor

We issue no specific guidance on the installation of mobile telecommunications equipment in these locations. The operators of the equipment have a number of recommendations and requirements to follow.

In March of last year, my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Wales published a code of best practice on the installation of radio masts up to 15 m in height using permitted development rights. Installation of radio masts above 15m in height are governed by normal planning guidance.

A Wireless Telegraphy Act licence may specify spectrum performance requirements, for example in relation to frequency assignment and power output. All equipment installed in the UK will have been approved to the relevant national or European—European Telecommunications Standards Institute—standards on performance, and must comply with provisions of the electromagnetic compatibility directive. The operators also follow guidance from the National Radiological Protection Board on exposure to non-ionising radiation.

Precautionary advice concerning possible interference with medical equipment from mobile telecommunications devices used by the public has also been issued by the Department of Health.