§ Mr. Grylls asked the Secretary of State for Industry what consultations he has had with British Telecom over the Government's proposals for liberalisation of telecommunications supply and for competing networks; and what comments critical of the Government's proposals have been conveyed to him.
§ Mr. Wakeham: There were extensive consultations with British Telecom before my hon. friend the Minister for Information Technology made his statement on telecommunications liberalisation on 30 July; and my right hon. Friend has subsequently been in close touch with the chairman of BT on the implementation of this policy. The Government remain fully committed to liberalisation, and my right hon. Friend hopes to announce a detailed timetable for the liberalisation of attachments shortly.