§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what measures he has taken to promote the development of information super highways in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. WaldegraveInformation super highways are an emerging technology on which much interest has focused recently, particularly on the possible access to services for the citizen that such technology could offer. There are to date only a few pilots in operation globally, most notably in the United States.
Clearly, these developments are being watched with interest. The Government are also working closely with other members of the European Union in considering the requirements for such networks within Europe. The CCTA—Government centre for information systems—has already begun work on a study to look in detail at the 487W possible development of information super highways within the United Kingdom It will be working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry in considering this issue.
It is important that the roles of the private and public sector are taken into account. Full and thorough analysis of the global pilot projects will be needed to evaluate their benefits to the citizen and to the public and private sectors both within the United Kingdom and across Europe as a whole.