§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to review the regulatory framework governing the use by businesses of premium telephone lines; and if he will make a statement. [92276]
§ Mr. WillsThe Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services (ICSTIS) has responsibility for regulating premium rate services. ICSTIS enforces an effective Code of Practice which has provisions to ensure that consumers are given adequate information to enable them to take informed decisions about the use of premium rate services. The Code ensures that the costs of calls to premium rate lines used by businesses must be given in advertisements and has provisions limiting the time spent by callers on these services. ICSTIS and Oftel are planning to review the regulatory framework for premium rate services later this year to ensure that consumers continue to benefit from the right level of protection.