§ 9. Annabelle Ewing (Perth)What discussions she has had with the Scottish Executive regarding the introduction of broadband services in Perth constituency. [83610]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Nigel Griffiths)My right hon. Friend's broadband taskforce involves all the devolved Administrations and the English regional development agencies and is working to increase the availability and take-up of broadband throughout the UK. Scotland is also benefiting from the £30 million UK broadband fund. This has been the subject of consultation with the Scottish Executive.
§ Annabelle EwingI thank the Minister for his answer, but he will be aware that great swathes of my constituency of Perth are not covered by affordable broadband and that Scotland lags at the bottom end of the UK coverage league table. When does he foresee a national strategy for broadband roll out in Scotland? Will he undertake to discuss with his Scottish Executive counterparts a national funding package to secure broadband roll out as soon as possible in rural areas such as my constituency?
§ Nigel GriffithsOne minute—four facts. Scotland receives £4.4 million, the largest single allocation from 1041 the UK broadband fund. There are technology trials in Campbeltown, a rural part of Scotland, totalling £65,500. Establishing a wireless network in the Western Isles is getting £1 million worth of resources. In the hon. Lady's constituency, the DTI is contributing £70,000 to trials in Crieff to ensure the use of electrical means rather than telephone wires or cable TV. Any other Member from any other party would be congratulating the DTI and the Government.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I cannot allow that question to go beyond the hills of Perth.