HC Deb 21 July 2000 vol 354 c360W
Mr. Woolas

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress is being made towards preparation of the Communications White Paper. [132563]

Mr. Chris Smith

As announced on 17 May 2000,Official Report, columns 130–31W, we invited a number of experts to prepare papers which they have now presented at a seminar held on 3 July. We asked them to examine a range of policy issues against some guiding objectives for the Communications White Paper.

These are:

  1. (i) The creation of the most dynamic market possible for communications services, especially in the light of the growth of the e-economy;
  2. (ii) Ensuring universal access to diverse services of the highest quality;
  3. (iii) Guarding consumer interests—protection, choice and value for money.

A report on the seminar has been prepared by the chair of the event, Sir Quentin Thomas. Copies of all the papers, which represent the personal views of the authors, have been placed in the Library and also on the Communications White Paper website http://www.communicationswhitepaper.gov.uk. They offer an important contribution to the debate.

We have also received 139 submissions, which are also being placed on the website, and are currently analysing those alongside the issues discussed at the seminar, with a view to publication of the White Paper later this year.