Electronic Communications Act 2000

HC Deb 28 July 2000 vol 354 cc1093-4W

Mr. Cotter

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what orders he(a) has made and (b) intends to make using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [133371]

Ms Hewitt

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has made no orders to date using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000. It is likely that orders will be made to enable companies to file information electronically at Companies House, and in respect of the Petroleum Act 1998, in order to allow the electronic submission of information by oil companies and consequent electronic delivery of consents and approvals by the Secretary of State.

DTI remains committed to removing barriers to the effective use of electronic communications and will consider making such orders in appropriate cases.

My hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office provided in a written answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster, Central (Ms Winterton) on 24 May 2000, Official Report, columns 532–34W, details of known plans for all Departments.