Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 22 June 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 June 1999. It was answered by Lord Wills (Labour) on Monday, 28 June 1999 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what is the current number of public textphones; and what plans Her Majesty's Government has to increase the level of provision. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the current number of public textphones; and what plans Her Majesty's Government have to increase the level of provision. [88411] Mr. Wills: There are currently 84 public textphones in the country, provided by BT. The Government are planning to consult on the provision of public textphones in a consultation later this year on improving access to telecommunications for the disabled. This is part of its further implementation of the Revised Voice Telephony Directive (98/10/EC). This should result in an increase in the provision of public textphones, especially in places such as railway stations and shopping centres.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 334 c33W; 88411
Session: 1998-99
EC documents: Dir98/10/EC
Subjects: Disability Disability aids Hearing impairment EU law Telecommunications Telephones
Contains statistics: Yes