Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions she with BT on the potential impact of the withdrawal of BT's free (a) online and (b) physical directories on (i) the elderly and (ii) people in digital poverty.

Ofcom is responsible for ensuring that UK consumers have access to directory and directory information services. Ofcom does not specify the form of the directory.

The Department has not had discussions with BT around the withdrawal of its physical directories or their free online directory. We understand from a public statement made by BT that it took a decision to withdraw these due to a lack of demand and the environmental impact of printing and distributing hard copies.

BT provides free downloadable A-Z directory on their website; hard copies can be purchased online. BT offers a free service, called 195 for users with certain additional needs.