§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will outline the process for the approval of any changes to telecommunications apparatus, indicating the role played by the British Approvals Board of Telecommunications of Oftel and his Department in making approvals.
§ Mr. McLoughlin[holding answer 19 April 1994]: The British Approvals Board for Telecommunications, an 608W independent company limited by guarantee, is the approval authority, appointed by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, for all types of telecommunications terminal equipment for connection to the public telecommunications network. BABT evaluates applications, accompanying documentation, manufacturing details and test results on the apparatus and, if it complies with the relevant standards designated by my Department of Oftel, issues a type approval. Changes to approved apparatus are subject to further testing only if that compliance is prejudiced. BABT accommodates all changes within its standard procedures so long as the supplier renews its approval. To avoid delay, BABT has made arrangements which, for the majority of changes, permit self-certification at the supplier's convenience.
My Department, with Oftel, is currently reviewing the United Kingdom approvals regime in consultation with BABT, terminal manufacturers, network operators and users.