HC Deb 16 October 1996 vol 282 c948W
Mr. Timms

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the final report of the Government's study into ethical issues and the Internet will be published and placed in the Library. [40344]

Mr. Ian Taylor

The CCTA work on ethical issues and the Internet provides an input to the relevant Departments as they take forward their various responsibilities in this area. The CCTA itself has no policy responsibility in this field.

The work will not be made more widely available, because it does not reflect a full account of the Government's policies in this area and was a contribution to advice to Ministers. The Government's considered views on the subject were set out in my speech to the Internet Services Providers Association on May 21, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. In support of these policies, we have worked with the Internet industry, the Home Office and the police, towards the agreement of industry proposals—"R3 Safety-Net"—to combat the problems of illegal material on the Internet. Copies of the industry proposals were distributed to the Trade and Industry Select Committee, and I have also deposited copies in the Library of the House.