§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) when he proposes to implement the recommendation in paragraph 63 of the Carter report to relax the Post Office telecommunications monopoly;
(2) if, in view of the current list of one million people who are waiting one year on average to be connected to the telephone network, he will bring forward legislation to enable private companies to provide such facilities.
§ Mr. Michael MarshallMy right hon. Friend announced on 12 September that the Government were beginning consultations with a view to early relaxation of the operation of the Post Office's telecommunications monopoly. He intends to announce detailed proposals early next year when these consultations have been completed.