TELEPHONE LINE RENTAL CHARGES

Early day motion 1124, tabled 4 May 2004 by Lord Allan of Hallam (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 39 members.

That this House welcomes Ofcom's decision to use its interim measure powers under the Competition Act to investigate BT's plans to increase line rental charges for all United Kingdom telecoms customers but offset the increase for BT customers by offering discounted call rates; believes that the pricing announcement undermines the economics of competitive service provision as customers of other telecoms providers will be charged higher BT rental charges in the absence of a viable wholesale line rental product but will not benefit from the right to discounted calls; further believes that, as a result, BT should immediately stop any marketing or other activity in relation to these planned changes until Ofcom has completed its investigation; and calls on the Government to make a statement which confirms their commitment to competition and to act decisively in this area.

Signatures by party: Labour 21, Liberal Democrat 12, Plaid Cymru 3, DUP 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, UUP 1.