§ Mr. ReedTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has for the future of local telecommunications advisory committees: and if she will make a statement. [6164]
§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsOn 30 June the President announced an inter-departmental review of utility regulation which will include an examination of the various models of consumer representation currently operating in the utilities, including in the telecommunications industry. If the review concludes that changes are necessary we will publish a consultation document setting out the options and reasons underlying the case for change.
In addition OFTEL is currently considering the responses received to its consultation document on the role of organisations who represent consumers on telecommunications matters, including the telecommunications advisory committees, and will publish a statement of its recommendations shortly. We will consider any recommendations on the telecommunications advisory committees as part of the inter-departmental review.