§ Mr. RobathanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer of 9 April 2003,Official Report, column 268W, on street works, what the agenda was for the discussions with telecom operators; what representations were made to her Department; what decisions were made; and if she will make a statement. [109560]
§ Mr. TimmsThe discussions covered a number of regulatory issues of concern to the operators, including the impact of the proposed changes to streetworks legislation on the development of broadband. It was agreed that any new streetworks legislation should have regard not only to increased cost and disruption to the transport system, but also to the compliance cost on telecoms operators and their customers, and in particular its potential to distort or restrict competition in the telecoms market. The regulatory impact assessment required for any new legislative proposals will need to address these issues.