Telecommunicationsy (Hansard, 16 June 1997)

§ Mr. Ian Taylor
To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she intends to meet the Internet Service Providers Association and the Cable Communications Association to discuss competition aspects of the Government's discussions with British Telecom. [3712]

§ Mr. Battle
I and my ministerial colleagues engage in many meetings with the full range of players in the industry. Following a special package for schools earlier this year from the cable sector, BT have recently brought forward their own first proposals for the connection of schools to the Internet. The Director General, OFTEL, has announced plans to consult widely, and as quickly as possible, on these proposals. This consultation will include the Internet service providers and the cable companies.

§ Mr. Ian Taylor
To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) when her Department intends to publish proposals for a reform of the regulatory structure for telecommunications and broadcasting;. [1566]
(2) if her Department will continue to have both responsibilities for the communication and information industries. [1567]
(3) if her Department will continue to be responsible for all aspects of conditional access for digital television. [1568]

§ Mr. Battle
[holding answer 3 June 1997]: The development and application of digital technology is steadily undermining the distinctions between the previously separate sectors of telecommunications, broadcasting, and IT, and is creating new opportunities, for example in multimedia and interactive services. This is enabling the development of the "Information Society".
It is clear that, in the medium term, a new regulatory regime will be required to reflect these developments. For example, the Government have made clear their intent to create an Office of Communications (Ofcom), which would regulate the communications infrastructure and ensure fair competition. My Department will take a central role in work on this, and other possible changes, by virtue of our objective of promoting the interests of UK business and consumers; encompassing not only those sectors which supply, but also sectors which use the Information Society technologies and services, and the regulation of consumer protection, competition, and the communications sectors.
This work is however at an early stage, and it is important not to attempt to pre-empt technological developments. Departmental responsibilities are, of course, a matter for the Prime Minister.