§ 29. Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to review the responsibilities of Oftel. [90038]
§ Mr. WillsThe Government's review of utility regulation has examined telecoms regulation and the responsibilities of Oftel. The proposals for new legislation on utility regulation, which will be introduced at the earliest possible opportunity, include giving Oftel a new primary duty to protect the interests of consumers and extending Oftel's duties to address the interests of low income users and the chronically sick. In addition, the274W Government is committed to a wider ranging reform of telecoms regulation and we expect to publish initial proposals later in the year. We are also working closely with Oftel on the 1999 Review of EC telecoms legislation, which will lead to a new telecoms regulatory framework in the EC early in the next century.