§ Mr. Neil Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will advise British Telecom to issue no further licences under the provisions of the British Telecommunications Act 1981.
§ Mr. Butcher[pursuant to the reply, 20 February 1984, c. 378]: As part of the continuing liberalisation of the Government's telecommunications policy we are discussing with British Telecommunications the terms of the general authority to grant licences to run telecommunication systems which was issued to it under section 15(1)(b) of the British Telecommunications Act 1981. The views expressed by other telecommunications industry interests have also been taken into account. I hope to be in a position to let the House know the outcome of these discussions early next week.
§ Mr. Neil Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will be consulting the telecommunications industry before each new general licence is issued under the Telecommunications Bill.
§ Mr. Butcher[pursuant to the reply, 20 February 1984, c. 378]: Before granting general licences my right hon. Friend consults representatives of the relevant sectors of the telecommunications industry, including the operators, the manufacturers and those who provide specialist services. He will continue this practice after the Telecommunications Bill is enacted.