§ 30. Mr. David EvansTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to encourage small businesses to use the information super-highway. [18720]
§ Mr. Ian TaylorMy right hon. friend, the President of the Board of Trade launched the information society initiative on 13 February; a four-year programme in which up to £35 million of new money will be invested. It will help United Kingdom businesses to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by new information and communication technologies to boost their competitiveness.
This new framework of support and awareness programmes is a partnership between industry and Government, addressed at all who work in manufacturing, service and creative sectors—particularly small and medium sized companies.