§ Mr. Bill MichieTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if the Office of Telecommunications has the power to specify that telecommunications companies should consult with other organisations regarding their joint response to an emergency or a potential emergency; and if she will make a statement. [34176]
§ Mrs. Roche[holding answer 16 March 19981: Public Telecommunications Operators have a requirement in their Telecommunications Act 1984 licences to consult the authorities responsible for emergency organisations 649W and other departments of central and local government designated by Oftel, in making plans and arrangements to respond to emergencies.