HC Deb 27 July 1989 vol 157 cc847-8W
Mr. Oppenheim

To ask the Lord President of the Council if he has any plans to require British Telecom to introduce itemised billing within the next 12 months for its services to the House.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

[holding answer 26 July 1989]: The monitoring of British Telecom's operation in the House over the next 12 months is not expected to involve the preparation of itemised bills.

Mr. Oppenheim

To ask the Lord President of the Council how much it will cost to maintain the British Telecom monopoly provision of services to the House of Commons over the next 12 months; and what is the figure with the option of using Mercury's services.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

[holding answer 26 July 1989]: On the basis of figures given for 1988 in appendix 1 of the first report of the Services Committee for Session 1988–89 (HC 143), the total cost of telecommunications services for the 12 months to 31 March 1990 is estimated to be £1,689,000, of which call charges will account for some £618,600. It is estimated that a change to Mercury outgoing telephone lines as proposed by CCTA would save some £50,000 to £75,000.

Mr. Oppenheim

To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will ensure that Oftel's policy of promoting competing telecom operators, for the benefit of consumers, is adopted by the House.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

[holding answer 26 July 1989]: The effect on the House of Oftel's national policy of promoting effective competition between telecommunications organisations was considered by the Services Committee in its first report of this Session (HC 143). I have nothing to add to the statements made in that report.

Mr. Oppenheim

To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will ensure that there will be close and careful monitoring of the existing services provided by British Telecom to the House during the next 12 months.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

[holding answer 26 July 1989]: Such an exercise is already being considered by the authorities of the House in response to the first report of the Services Committee of this Session (HC(1988–89)143) on "Telecommunications: The Provision of Services to the House."