Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Thursday, 8 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 16 November 2001. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Friday, 16 November 2001 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the possibility of selling or licensing the military spectrum to the private sector. - (Holding answer 12 November 2001).

Answer: Mr. Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the possibility of selling or licensing the military spectrum to the private sector. [14419] Mr. Alexander: [holding answer 12 November 2001]: I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friends, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Chancellor of the Exchequer commissioned earlier this year an independent review of radio spectrum management, led by Professor Martin Cave, to advise on the principles which should guide future management of the spectrum, to help derive most value from this national asset. One of the issues which the review is exploring is how best to improve the arrangements for facilitating access, for commercial uses, to any defence spectrum which would not compromise any legitimate current or future defence needs. The review is due to report to Ministers by the end of 2001.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 374 c917W; 14419
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Access Defence Licensing Management Radio frequencies Radio Radio Spectrum Management Review
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk