Written question asked by Tony Baldry (Conservative) on Wednesday, 25 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 October 2006. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 November 2006 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Ofcom

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans Ofcom has for a system of licensing access to the radio spectrum for the programme making and special events industry; what assessment he has made of the impact of the digital switchover on the UK entertainment industry; what steps he is taking to ensure that the programme making and special events industry sector operating during the 2012 Olympics major events and medical facilities will not be adversely affected by the digital switchover; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Office of Communication (Ofcom), the independent regulator of communications is responsible for managing civil radio spectrum in the UK including the allocation and licensing of frequency bands used by the programme making and special events industry.As part of its Digital Dividend Review, Ofcom is developing proposals with a view to publishing a consultation paper before the end of this year. In taking forward this process, the regulator will take into account the particular needs and structure of the programme making and special events industry.DTI officials are working with Ofcom to ensure that sufficient and suitable spectrum is available to meet essential requirements of users, including the programme making and special events industry during the 2012 Olympics

Secondary information