The debates in Committee have generally been constructive. The Opposition has raised some helpful technical points and the Government intends to include some small amendments in Report reflecting these. The Government’s own amendments are mainly in the areas of spectrum, re-licensing of radio broadcasters and the Independent Television Commission’s review of programme supply. It is anticipated that the Bill will receive its third reading in the Commons during either the last week of February or the first week of March.

In parallel with the progress of the Bill, regulations under the European Communities Act are being drafted that mirror as far as possible Part 2, Chapter I of the Bill. This is as a contingency to ensure that the EC Directives are implemented by 25 July 2003, should the Bill not have received Royal Assent by that time.

The DTI is also working on various draft Orders that are needed to accompany the Bill (eg the Universal Service, Telephone Numbering and Determination of Turnover Orders). There will be a very short time between Royal Assent and the placing of the Orders.

While Ofcom may not be able to act on every issue that it needs to act on by 25 July 2003, Clause 393 of the Bill enables certain provisions to be commenced by the Secretary of State and Oftel. No decisions have yet been taken on the duration of the transition period, but it is hoped that Ofcom will be fully up and running by November 2003. 

For further information, contact Harriet James (tel: 020 7634 5374 / e-mail: harriet.james@oftel.gov.uk).