§ 12. Mr. WoodTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what progress is being made in discussions between his Department and the industry in connection with the development of the next generation of cordless telephones.
§ Mr. ForthWe have issued some 2,000 copies of the consultation document "Personal Communications in the 1990s" and held initial briefing meetings with a number of companies. We are asking for responses to the document by 28 April.
§ Mr. WoodI thank my hon. Friend for that response. Will he ensure that the discussions are sufficiently brisk and that the aims are sufficiently straightforward to enable us to have successful competitive manufacturing in that sector, without undue Government or other bureaucratic delays that could adversely affect our competitive position?
§ Mr. ForthI can give my hon. Friend that undertaking, but I believe that he will agree that we have already demonstrated as a country remarkable success in that area due to the liberal regime allowed by the Government. We will continue with that policy in the hope that we will continue to be world leaders in what will be an important industry in the future.