§ Lord Haskelasked Her Majesty's Government:
What additional projects are planned for the Performance and Innovation Unit. [HL4216]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe Prime Minister has asked the Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU) to carry out a project examining the development of electronic networks in the UK over the next decade.
The project will look at predicted technology and market developments; the importance of electronic networks to UK productivity and growth and the regulatory challenges for the next decade. The output of the project will be a report to government which will assist with the setting of future government policy and approach, and will contribute to strategic thinking for the new regulator Ofcom.
Responsibility for the current performance, development and economic impact of UK electronic networks already lies with groups including the DTI, Oftel, the Office of the e-Envoy, HM Treasury, the Broadband Stakeholders Group and those involved in the Digital TV Action Plan. The PIU has been asked to take a long-term strategic view to complement this existing body of work.
The Hon Douglas Alexander, the Minister of State for e-Commerce and Competitiveness at the DTI, will be the sponsor Minister for the project.
The scoping note for the project is available on the PIU website (www.piu.gov.uk). The PIU aims to complete its study by Summer 2002.