§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Industry if the powers of the Secretary of State in clause 59(3) of the British Telecommunications Bill are intended to include the power to direct the Post Office to franchise or sub-contract Crown Office facilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael Marshall[pursuant to his reply, 3 December 1980, c. 266]: My right hon. Friend described the purposes of clause 59(3) of the British Telecommunications Bill in his speech on the Second Reading of the Bill on 2 December 1980. [Vol. 995, c. 220.]