§ Mr. Nicholas Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Government are monitoring the programme of the low-use rental rebate scheme introduced by British Telecom in January 1983; and whether they have any proposals to alter the current rate relating to telephone standing charges.
§ Mr. ButcherThe Government do not monitor the low-use rental rebate scheme. This is a matter for the board of British Telecom, as is the rate of telephone standing charges. However, I understand that nearly 3 million customers benefit from the rebate, and the cost to BT will exceed £18 million a year.