§ 36. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effect on competition within the telecommunications industry of the privatisation of British Telecom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherThe success of the changes in 1984 in promoting competition in the telecommunications industry is under constant appraisal. In this, my right hon. Friend has the assistance of the Director General of Telecommunications, with whom he shares a duty under the Telecommunications Act 1984 to maintain and promote competition. The privatisation of British Telecom, with its spur to greater efficiency and better services, has brought many benefits.