§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, following the correspondence between his 482W Department, British Telecom and the House Builders Federation on matters to which the British Telecom licence refers, he will now formally consult the House Builders Federation about the application of the licence.
§ Mr. ButcherAfter extensive public consultation and debate in Parliament, the licence has now been granted to British Telecom. When it comes into effect on 5 August, it will be for British Telecom to carry out its activities in accordance with the terms of the licence. The arrangements under which British Telecom installs underground wires to serve new buildings are a matter for negotiation between the developer and British Telecom.
Condition 3 of schedule 4 of the British Telecom licence requires British Telecom to consider in conjunction with those undertaking developments whether lines can be installed underground on a shared cost basis and British Telecom must therefore respond to proposals made by developers. It will be for the House Builders Federation to make its views known.