§ Mr. FabricantTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he supports the European Commission's proposals to allow cable television companies within the European Community to offer telecommunications services; and if he will support action to allow other telecommunications operators to provide entertainment services. [24171]
§ Mr. Ian TaylorThe Government welcome the Commission proposals to allow cable TV companies to offer telecommunication services, which would bring other member states into line with existing UK practice. The Commission proposals, which are currently subject to public consultation, would not affect member states' existing rules on the provision of entertainment services, nor is there any sign that the Commission would be willing to extend its proposals in this way. The Government would strongly oppose any such action. UK Government policy remains as set out in Command Paper 2734, published in November 1994.