HC Deb 11 November 1998 vol 319 cc221-2W
Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals he has to facilitate electronic commerce with regard to changes in restrictions in the use of cryptography. [59225]

Mrs. Roche

[holding answer 10 November 1998]: The Government are committed to making the UK the best environment in which business can trade electronically and thus we do not have any plans to restrict the use of cryptography, which is seen by many as a vital technology for confidence and trust. We do, however, have plans to introduce legislation, when parliamentary time permits, to set voluntary standards for those bodies providing electronic signatures and encryption services.

Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many responses he has received following the publication of the proposals for secure electronic commerce on 27 April 1998; and if he will list them. [59087]

Mrs. Roche

[holding answer 10 November 1998]: Since the April Statement, which was intended to provide information rather than solicit responses, the Department has discussed its proposals on secure electronic commerce with a number of different organisations. We would expect more formal, and quantifiable, responses from industry when we launch a consultation paper on the planned legislation on electronic commerce.

Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for further consultations with industry on the proposals for secure electronic commerce announced on 27 April 1998. [59086]

Mrs. Roche

[holding answer 10 November 1998]: The Government are committed to making the UK the best environment in which to trade electronically. We will bring forward legislation to help achieve this as soon as parliamentary time is available. The Government intend to develop the detail of the legislation in consultation with industry and other interested parties.