asked Her Majesty's Government:

Under which article of the treaty of the European Union the cost of mobile phone roaming charges could be fixed throughout the European Union; and whether this constitutes a precedent giving the European Union power to impose price control on other charges and products. [HL4010]

The regulation on mobile roaming, which is likely to come into effect by the end of June, has been made under Article 95 of the Treaty of Rome.

The Government are sensitive to concerns as regards the scope of Article 95 and how it may be used in the future. The Government believe that the use of Article 95 as the legal base for this regulation is unlikely to set a precedent which would allow the EU to impose price controls in other areas. This is because of the specific nature of the measure and the distinct nature of the international mobile roaming market.

The Government will continue carefully to consider the suitability of Article 95 as a legal base for other EC proposals on a case by case basis.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they will answer the Question for Written Answer tabled by Lord Stoddart of Swindon on 23 May (HL4010). [HL4461]

I have answered the noble Lord’s Question today.