HC Deb 17 December 1997 vol 303 cc182-3W
Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions the Commissioner for Pitcairn has had with businesses seeking to create employment on Pitcairn concerning the provision of Internet services to the island; and for what reasons the Commissioner has been seeking to acquire the domain name for Pitcairn from the designated manager. [21045]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

[holding answer 16 December 1997]The Commissioner is currently investigating ways of improving communications with the Pitcairn Islands to permit Internet access. The Commissioner is seeking to acquire the domain name for Pitcairn in response to a request to this effect form the Pitcairn Island Council.

Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the Government's policy on Internet services for Pitcairn Island and other dependent territories; and if he will make a statement. [21038]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

[holding answer 16 December 1997]Existing data communications with the Pitcairn Islands do not permit access to the Intenet. There are therefore no Internet services operating from or within Pitcairn. The Commissioner is currently investigating ways of improving communications so that the Internet can be accessed from Pitcairn. Our policy on issues of this sort is to seek to fulfil the wishes of the individual dependent territory governments.

Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is the Government's policy to seek to regulate or control domain names on the Internet in respect of United Kingdom dependent territories; and if he will make a statement. [21039]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

[holding answer 16 December 1997]Our policy is to seek to fulfil the wishes expressed by the individual dependent territory governments. This Department does not generally authorise third parties to administer top level Internet domain names on behalf of dependent territories unless there is some obvious direct benefit to the dependent territories.

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