I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 39, 46 and 52 together.
The management services entity, MSE, is the independent body which will be engaged to manage, market and maintain the fibre-optic metropolitan area networks, MANs, being constructed under the regional broadband programme, on a basis which is consistent with the Government's strategy of providing broadband infrastructure on an open access and carrier neutral basis.
It is intended that this open-access principle will be enshrined in a code of practice for the use of the metropolitan area networks, thus ensuring that access to the infrastructure is administered on fair, transparent and non-discriminatory terms to all interested parties. Notice of my Department's intention to commence a competitive tender process for the engagement of an MSE was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 19 June 2003.
Responses received by the tender deadline of 15 August 2003 have been evaluated and it is anticipated that the MSE procurement process, as outlined in the instructions to tender document which issued on 19 June 2003, will reach a conclusion shortly. It is not proposed to make any public statement on the identity of participating parties prior to such conclusion. The competition for the appointment of the management services entity is a public procurement process. I have, and have had, no role in the selection process.
