HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc337-8
20. Mr. Wood

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress with the privatisation of British Telecom; and whether this is in line with the Government's plans.

Mr. Tebbit

The Government's plan to privatise British Telecom in the autumn is on schedule.

Mr. Wood

Will my right hon. Friend expand on that encouraging reply? Perhaps he will comment especially on the staffing position in Oftel and say whether all is well in that regard, so that adequate monitoring can take place of the future success of private competition in the telecommunications industry.

Mr. Tebbit

The arrangements in Oftel are going well, and the regulatory system will be in place on time as an effective measure of consumer protection.

Mr. Ewing

Is the Secretary of State pleased or satisifed with the condition in BT's licence that it must give a 20 per cent. discount to its competitor, Mercury, to subsidise that company until it becomes profitable? What part does that play in the right hon. Gentleman's capitalist thinking?

Mr. Tebbit

There is no such provision in the licence.