§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the current number of public textphones; and what plans Her Majesty's Government have to increase the level of provision. [88411]
§ Mr. WillsThere are currently 84 public textphones in the country, provided by BT. The Government are planning to consult on the provision of public textphones in a consultation later this year on improving access to telecommunications for the disabled. This is part of its further implementation of the Revised Voice Telephony Directive (98/10/EC). This should result in an increase in the provision of public textphones, especially in places such as railway stations and shopping centres.