Both that argument and America's rules stopping local operators merging with long-distance operators look harder to justify given today's turmoil and the rapid pace of technological change.

ECONOMIST: How much longer can things go on getting worse?

Any proposals for merging local authorities would be subject to full scrutiny, he added.

BBC: First minister's questions

On the issue of merging local authorities, the first minister reassured AMs that his government had no intention of proposing widespread amalgamation.

BBC: First minister's questions