§ Lord Mottistoneasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their policy on the communication from the EEC Commission to the Council on progress in Community telecommunications policy (EEC Consultative Document 7095/85).
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Lucas of Chilworth)The Government attach priority to progress towards a truly common market in telecommunications equipment, particularly terminal equipment. The UK has already moved far in this direction by liberalising the terminal market and by privatisation. Thus we strongly support those measures outlined in the Commission's communication aimed at developing intra-Community trade. We support also the implementation of the definition phase of a programme for the development of advanced telecommunications technologies (RACE).
We do, however, have some doubts about the Community's role in certain other areas discussed by the Commission. In particular, we must ensure that infrastructure projects are market-led and do not make unacceptable demands on the Community budget. On international matters, we are generally content with the existing forums and mechanisms for consultation and would not wish to see them duplicated.