118 DIRECTORY SERVICES

Early day motion 161, tabled 27 November 2003 by Lord Cotter (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 57 members.

That this House expresses concern at a recent survey by Oftel and the Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services highlighting that just 57 per cent. of callers ringing new 118 directory service providers were given the correct information; is concerned that some service providers are breaching the industry code of practice by failing to offer pricing details before providing onward connection services; is further concerned that the poor quality of services offered by some providers will harm both consumers and the small businesses through the provision of incorrect information and a general lack of price transparency; acknowledges reports that some 118 companies are failing accurately to list businesses and in some cases are failing to list them at all; and recognises that many small firms are losing both money and potential customers as a result; and calls on Ofcom to review the performance of 118 companies when it assumes its role as the new telecoms regulator and to take action against those companies which fail to improve their services.

Signatures by party: Labour 27, Liberal Democrat 21, Labour/Co-operative 3, Conservative 2, Plaid Cymru 2, DUP 1, UUP 1.