INTERITIONAL REPRESENTATION
1 The Government has reviewed its arrangements for representation
in intr-Governmental telecommunications organisations (including
meetin s where BT is acting on behalf of the UK and where questions
affect.ng british Government policy are at issue) and for
consul ation in the UK with interested parties before and after
meetings in the light of the new telecommunications regime
introd.ced by the ET Act 1981, the Telecommunications Act 1984 and
associated developments. The new arrangements reflect British
Telecommunications continuing role as the primary international
carrier, with the obligation of providing a full range of
international services, the growing international interests of
other British suppliers and users of telecommunication products
and services and the Government's interest and obligations
in international telecommunications issues. Whilst the Government's
aim will be to ensure a stable framework for the development of
Britain's international telecommunications interests, it retains
the right at any time to vary the arrangements for representation,
although it would only do so following consultation with interested
parties. The Government will ultimately resolve any dispute
concerning membership of the consultative groups or participation
in delegations at international meetings.
The Government, whilst
giving due weight to the views expressed by others also ultimately
reserves to itself the right to determine UK policy.
2 Primary responsibility for the management of international
telecommunications policy at Governmental level will reside with
the Department of Trade and Industry, which will coordinate
internLional telecommunications policy with other Government
Departments, and with interested parties, including the Office of