CALL WAITING

Early day motion 473, tabled 8 January 2003 by John Pugh (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 6 members.

That this House recognises that call waiting systems are often a curse of modern times; represent an opportunity for cutting enquiry desk staff; incur substantial additional telephone and time costs for businesses, consumers and institutions; calls upon OFTEL and the Department of Trade and Industry to investigate both the costs and the abuses of call waiting systems, including the unreasonable waits imposed on customers by telecom firms like BT who directly profit from call waiting; and urges OFTEL, the Department of Trade and Industry and the CBI to suggest some mechanisms whereby all consumers' interests can be protected.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 4, Labour 1, Labour/Co-operative 1.