§ Sir Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for Industry what arrangements he has in mind to ensure that, after privatisation of British Telecom, the director general of telecommunications receives advice about the opinions of consumers and other users of telecommunications.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerIt is important that after privatisation the director general of Telecommunications should have advice about the opinions of consumers and other users of telecommunications, especially those in rural and remote areas. I therefore intend that the director general should appoint as members of his advisory committees for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland the existing members of the country councils of the Post Office User's National Council. There will also be provision for finance to be given to local postal and telecommunication advisory committees, which are recognised as assisting the director to ascertain local opinion. These arrangements will ensure that the director general will benefit from established sources of expert local advice.