asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure that British manufacturers of telecommunications equipment will be given reciprocal access to the Swedish market following the proposed purchase of Ericsson exchanges by British Telecom.

Suitable opportunities are taken to bring to the attention of other Administrations the advantages of a liberalised telecommunications equipment market and the merits of United Kingdom produced goods. As regards the AXE 10 equipment BT will be purchasing from Thorn Ericsson a high proportion will be manufactured in the United Kingdom, following an initial build up programme.