§ Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what he anticipates will be the number of staff employed in the Office of Telecommunications; and when they will take up their duties.
§ Mr. ButcherIt is expected that about 50 staff will comprise the initial complement of the Office of Telecommunications but the Government is willing to consider increasing it if necessary. There will be a gradual build up of staff when the director has been appointed.
§ Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the new Director General of the Office of Telecommunications will take up his or her duties.
§ Mr. ButcherI expect the Director General to have taken up his duties by the time that the regulatory arrangements under the Telecommunications Act 1984 come into force.
§ Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he intends to announce the name of the new Director General of the Office of Telecommunications.
§ Mr. ButcherI expect my right hon. Friend to announce this appointment shortly.