HL Deb 10 April 2001 vol 624 c80WA
The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in the light of the current difficulties being experienced by the telecommunications sector, there is a case for extending the period for which 3G (Third Generation) licences were auctioned beyond the original 20 years and for a relaxation of the conditions regulating network roll-out. [HL1322]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

The conditions for the 3G Wireless Telegraphy Act licences were set out clearly in the Information Memorandum for the 3G auction. This will have influenced companies decisions on whether to participate in the auction and if so how much to bid. The Government see no case at present for changing these conditions after the auction in response to short-term market conditions.

The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What were the Treasury's original budgetary projections of the revenue to be derived from the auction of 3G (Third Generation) licences. [HL1323]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The Budget 2000 fiscal projections assumed receipts from the spectrum auction of £3,000 million in 2000–01. These figures were set out in the Government's return to the European Commission for the Excessive Deficit Procedure which was deposited in the Library on 31 August 2000.