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		French digital switchover must not interfere with Londoners' viewing Wednesday, 14th November 2007 Strasbourg, 14th November 2007 -- Conservative Euro-MP for London, Syed Kamall, has today written to the European Commission raising concerns that France's digital switchover in November 2011 could interfere with analogue and some digital television signals in southern England. He is responding to concerns raised by the National Audit Office (NAO), which has published a report into the BBC's preparedness for the switchover. The National Audit Office report warns: "Digital switchover in France, which is due to be completed in November 2011, could create interference in the UK to analogue and low-power digital television in Southern England. This could be avoided if switchover in the affected areas was brought forward to 2011. If the Government decided that the timetable should be brought forward, the BBC would be liable for Arqiva's (the company providing the infrastructure for the switchover) additional costs." The UK's switchover to digital television began this morning at 3.27am when 25,000 households in Cumbria had their analogue channels cut off, but the London area will be one of the last to complete around 2012 – risking several months of interference. Mr Kamall and his south east Conservative colleague, Richard Ashworth MEP have asked the European Commission to investigate and coordinate the switchover between France and the UK to prevent interference. They said that, as bringing forward the switchover date would result in extra costs that would probably be passed onto the taxpayer, it may be more prudent to ask France to delay their switchover schedule. Mr Kamall said: "We cannot allow the digital switchover in France to interfere with our programmes in London. "Many people rely on their televisions – particularly during the winter – to keep them entertained so it is important we get the switchover right. "I have asked the European Commission to investigate the matter. As it is likely that moving forward the switchover in London would cost the taxpayer additional money, I am suggesting that France reconsiders its timetable so that we can coordinate the switchovers and prevent interference. "Rather than seizing powers from governments, the European Commission should be facilitating cooperation between them. We need better cooperation between France and the UK if we are to ensure a seamless switchover for Londoners."