§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on measures taken by the EU to open up the telecommunications industry across Europe; if she will estimate the impact of such policies on the price of(a) telephone calls and (b) internet access; and if she will estimate (i) the average change in costs per household and (ii) the total value of such changes for each region in the UK as a result of such measures in the last year for which figures are available. [185326]
§ Mr. TimmsI welcome the measures which opened up the telecommunications industry across Europe, which created opportunities for British companies to contribute in newly liberalised markets across Europe. The impact of these measures on prices is a matter for the Office of Communications (Ofcom) as independent regulator. Accordingly, my officials have asked the Chief Executive of Ofcom to respond directly to the hon. Member on that point. Copies of the Chief Executive's letter will be placed in the Libraries of the House.