§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the telecommunications industry.
§ Mr. Lilley[holding answer 3 July 1991]: Telecommunications is one of the most dynamic industries in the United Kingdom. The market has grown rapidly, stimulated by the Government's commitment to competition and increased customer choice. In mobile telephony we have the two largest cellular networks in the world. In March, I announced that we would be ending the duopoly policy in the fixed telephony market, and allowing new companies to enter the market. We have already received five formal applications for new licences and more than 20 strong expressions of interests. This is good for the industry and good for consumers.