§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what interest his Department has in the development of information super-highways; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellMy Department's interest is in contributing to the development of broadcasting, telecommunications and computer networks by providing a regulatory structure for broadcasting that recognises the needs of both consumers and industry.
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§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what his Department's policy is on the European Commission's proposals for a European information super-highway; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellThe European Commission has stimulated an interesting debate on these matters, to which my Department continues to contribute. We remain of the view that it is primarily for the market to determine how to proceed and to grasp the opportunities that the new technologies and continuing liberalisation of world markets will bring.