§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 28 June 1999,Official Report, column 33, concerning public textphones, what factors underlie the difference between the figures provided and those in the answer of 17 November 1997, Official Report, column 52; what assessment he has made of British Telecom's plans to increase provision by 2000; what were the results of the Oftel consultation; and what plans there are for the further consultation exercise. [90451]
§ Mr. WillsThe difference between the figures given in 1997 and in my answer of 28 June lies in variations in the needs of establishments which public textphone users frequent, and numbers fluctuate marginally over time. BT's plans in 1997 to increase numbers of public textphones by 2000 have been superseded by Oftel's subsequent consultation on improving telecommunications services for people with disabilities. BT is discussing future needs with disability groups.
Following the consultation, Oftel has recommended that the Secretary of State introduce new regulatory requirements including requirements for public textphones. The Government are planning to consult later this year on measures to improve access to telecommunications for the disabled.