§ Mr. ConnartyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will publish her assessment of the benefits of access to broadband services for industries within her remit; and if she will make a statement. [61803]
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§ Dr. HowellsThe Government believe that the rapid roll-out and adoption of broadband across the UK is important to both their social and economic objectives. The Government and other organisations have conducted studies of the application of information and communication technology and e-commerce to business and small and medium enterprises which suggest that broadband has a range of benefits and that industries stand to gain from productivity improvements. However, an assessment of the specific benefits to each industry within DCMS' remit could be undertaken only at disproportionate cost.