Directory service to be investigated

A British government watchdog is to investigate whether the abolition of the 192 directory enquiries service has been worthwhile for consumers.

The market was opened to competition a year ago and replaced with more than 100 helplines, all pre-fixed with 118.

The National Audit Office (NAO) will also look at the role of Oftel, the regulator, in liberalisation.

The NAO, which scrutinises government departments, will publish its findings later in the year.