§ Mr. JannerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will introduce legislation to ban the sending of unsolicited sales literature by fax.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe branch systems licence under the Telecommunications Act 1984 provides for people not wishing to receive unsolicited sales literature by fax to place their fax numbers on a special register. Anyone sending such unsolicitied material to a number on the register will be in breach of the licence and ultimately the Director General of Telecommunications can remove the right to operate under the licence from a persistent offender, making him unable to use his telephone systems. The arrangements for the register are being finalised by the director general in discussion with interested parties.