HC Deb 29 July 1983 vol 46 cc747-8W
Mr. Grylls

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many value added network telecommunications operators are now working under his new licensing system; and how many of these are firms employing fewer than 200 employees.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

Since the general licence for value added network services was issued in October 1982, Philippines; what proportion these represent to domestic production; what representations he has received from the British Woodworking Federation about this; what reply he has sent; and what subsequent action he has taken.

Mr. Norman Lamont

What information is available about the relationship between United Kingdom manufacturers sales and imports of manufactured doors is shown in the following table. This shows that there has been a strong growth in imports in the first five months of this year after a decline in 1982. Imports from Taiwan, Singapore, Portugal and the Philippines as a whole have remained a relatively stable proportion of total imports although there have been changes within the group.

My Department's officials have assisted the British Woodworking Federation in preparing an antidumping complaint against imports of exterior doors from Taiwan which was opened for investigation by the European Commission on 10 June 1983. Discussions with the federation are currently taking place as to whether or not action can be taken against the increase in imports of flush doors from Portugal.

50 companies proposing to provide value added network services have registered with my Department and have paid the appropriate fee. Twelve of these companies are known to be providing services. In addition a large number of companies providing value added services do not need to register since they are able to operate under other general licences.

The general licence for value added network services does not require licensees to provide information about whether they are actually providing services or about the number of employees. The detailed information requested by my hon. Friend is not therefore available. I would be reluctant to ask licensees to bear the cost and inconvenience of sending me the periodic returns which would be needed to provide the information requested.