HL Deb 18 June 2002 vol 636 cc75-6WA
The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their response to the suggestion from the European Commission, in its eEurope 2005 report, that governments of member states should use regional aid and other financial incentives to boost high-speed Internet to remote and underdeveloped areas where the delivery of broadband would not otherwise be commercially viable. [HL4607]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

The Government welcome the emphasis ineEurope 2005 on the role of competitive markets for broadband. EU structural funds support rural development in less favoured areas and continue to be potentially available for broadband access under the Commission's proposed action plan, provided these do not prejudice competition rules. It remains the decision of devolved administrations and the government offices whether or not to use this source of funding for broadband projects, provided that they meet the criteria set out in the single programming documents agreed for each region.

The Government set out broadband strategy in the UK Online Annual Report 2001. They have made £30 million available to all RDAs and the devolved administrations for pilot schemes to extend broadband access.