§ 8. Mr. W. R. Williamsasked the Postmaster-General whether private manufacturers, of either British or foreign origin, will be allowed to own, control or operate space telecommunication equipment in the United Kingdom.
§ The Postmaster-General (Mr. Reginald Bevins)Apart from certain telegraph cables, the Post Office operates the overseas telecommunications services in this country and owns the equipment, looking to the manufacturers for its supply. I do not visualise any change in these arrangements in the satellite era. Satellites will extend the present means of international communication by cable and radio, and the use of the various media will clearly need to be integrated.
§ Mr. WilliamsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am very satisfied with his reply?