§ Mr. ConnartyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she is taking to publicise the benefits of access to broadband services. [61804]
§ Mr. TimmsI have been asked to reply.
I am convinced that broadband services have an important role to play in increasing the competitiveness of the UK economy. I have therefore taken several opportunities to promote the benefits of broadband including by supporting the 'Demand: Broadband' campaign run by the Communications Workers Union.
The UK Online Annual Report 2001 sets out the Government's broadband strategy. To stimulate demand for current broadband content and applications the Government will:
work with the broadband supply industry to facilitate an industry-wide collaborative campaign to promote the benefits of broadband and give impartial advice on the different technological options available.provide more encouragement to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to adopt e-commerce solutions. The DTI are now expanding the £66 million 'UK online for business' programme to:provide more effective advice to businesses on the introduction and setting up of e-business solutions, with particular emphasis on the benefits of broadband; andintroduce a web-based guide to broadband availability for SMEs and a network of demonstrators of practical applications.We have also established a £30 million fund to help the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and devolved Administrations develop innovative schemes to extend broadband networks. Using this fund, some of the RDAs and devolved Administrations are carrying forward work which demonstrates the benefits of broadband.
Estimate table £ million US UK Total Hybrid Previous estimate (2001) at 2000–01 economic conditions (£1:%1.6086) 2,859 6,904 9,764 Real changes +18 +8 +25 Price inflation on unspent balance 0 +3 +3 Exchange rate variation on unspent balance +8 n/a +8 Revised estimate at 2001–02 economic conditions (£1:%1.46) 2,884 6,916 9,800 Non-hybrid Previous estimate (2001) at 2000–01 economic conditions (£1:%1.6806) 3,604 10,058 13,662 Real changes +18 +8 +25 Price inflation +62 +252 +313 Exchange rate variation +375 n/a +375 Revised estimate at 2001–02 economic conditions (£1:%1.46) 4,059 10,318 14,376 Note:
Figures rounded to nearest £1 million hence any apparent imbalances.