§ Mr. Nealeasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when, in view of the fact that 11 months have elapsed since the original date specified by him for approval, he now expects to give formal approval to the Wyatt 8001/2 dealing board systems; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherThe circumstances relating to individual items of telecommunication equipment submitted for approval under my Department's interim schemes are commercially confidential.
Pending such full approval Wyatts and the manufacturers of the other dealing boards which are presently being 14W evaluated are eligible to apply for interim approval under the provisions I announced to the House on 9 April. I invite them to do so.
§ Mr. Nealeasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he proposes to take in respect of key systems already approved to approve enhancements such as night service bells, extension bells, audible devices and tie line connections; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherI made arrangements in January of this year for the evaluation of enhancements to key telephone systems already approve by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. Under these arrangements, application may be made direct to British Telecommunications who tested these systems on behalf of my Department, for the purposes of their original approval, and is therefore best placed to undertake the evaluation and testing of the subsequent enhancements.
The volume of applications has been considerable and unfortunately a backlog of work has built up. British Telecommunications has recently commissioned a new test laboratory enabling it to undertake more test work for approvals purposes. This should enable it soon to clear the outstanding testing of enhancements.