§ Mr. Haywardasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is yet in a position to announce the appointment of the Director General of Telecommunications.
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§ Mr. TebbitI am appointing Professor Carsberg of the London School of Economics to be Director General of Telecommunications. His appointment, which is full-time, will run for a period of three years and will take effect from July 1. Professor Carsberg will be advising my Department on a part-time basis until July on the setting up of the Office of Telecommunications.
For the first time in the United Kingdom the consumer will have an independent telecommunications watchdog with real teeth. The director will have the powers to monitor the licences of British Telecom and other operators, safeguarding the interests of domestic and business users of telecommunications in all parts of the country and he will encourage and protect fair competition in the industry.
Professor Carsberg has given valuable advice on telecommunications matters to my Department and his experience in this field will be backed up by the technical expertise within his office. Additionally, his accountancy background will enable him to assess the information needed to carry out his duties for the benefit of the consumer and business.