Written question asked by Lord Bruce of Bennachie (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 19 July 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 July 2005. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Monday, 10 October 2005 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Telephone Numbers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what assessment has been made of the likely impact Ofcom's proposed changes to (a) the 0870 number range and (b) 0845 numbers could have on those industries which rely on these number ranges to fund or subsidise the cost of providing other services to consumers;

Answer: The matter raised is the responsibility of the Office of Communications (Ofcom). Ofcom is the independent regulator for the communications sector, deriving its main powers and duties directly from statute rather than by delegation from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, and accountable to Parliament in its own right. Accordingly, my officials have asked the chief executive officer of Ofcom to reply to the hon. Member and to send me a copy of his response. Copies of the chief executive's letter will also be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 15007; 437 c38W;437 c38W
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP 06/461
Wednesday, 30 November 2005
Deposited papers
House of Commons; Telephone Numbers
Monday, 5 December 2005
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Fees and charges Telephone numbering