§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, in the light of the withdrawal of two principal backers, he contemplates further assistance to Mercury Communications.
§ Mr. ButcherThe granting of a licence on 5 November by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 indicates the Government's commitment to the success of Mercury Communications. the fact that Mercury is about to become a wholly owned subsidiary of Cable and Wireless is entirely a commercial matter. Those concerned have made clear their belief that the new arrangements will work to the advantage of Mercury as it expands its operations, and there is no call for any Government involvement in this matter.