asked the Prime Minister what response Her Majesty's Government have received to their representations to the Japanese Government seeking a full and fair opportunity for Cable and Wireless to participate in a consortium to operate the second international telecommunications service in Japan; what information she has about the progress of Cable and Wireless in this matter; and if she will make a statement.

The Government have been following closely the bid by Cable and Wireless to be involved through the International Digital Communications Planning Inc. (IDC) consortium, in the provision of alternative international telecommunications facilities in Japan and has made representations on behalf of Cable and Wireless.I understand that discussions are still in progress in Japan and that no final decision has been taken. I believe that this is an opportunity both for Japan to show that its market is becoming more open and to create an outstanding example of Anglo-Japanese industrial co-operation in high technology.