§ Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbottsasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the definition of "market" in the Electronic Communications (Market Analysis) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/330) includes the provision of services to educational establishments and the National Health Service. [HL2781]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville):In accordance with Regulation 5(2) of the Electronic Communications (Market Analysis) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/330) the identification of markets must take due account of recommendations and guidelines issued by the European Commission. The first such recommendation (made on 11 February 2003) does not identify the NHS and educational establishments as specific markets. However many aspects of the provision of electronic communications networks, electronic communications services and associated facilities to educational establishments and the National Health Service are likely to fall within one or more of the markets identified in the recommendation.