HC Deb 30 March 2000 vol 347 cc205-6W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what impact there has been on(a) the timetable for and (b) the cost of providing internet access to schools as a result of delays caused by the Competition Commission's review of the proposed acquisition by NTL of Cable and Wireless Communications' cable interests. [116960]

Mr. Wills

The Government do not anticipate any delays in the programme for connecting all schools to the internet by 2002. The cost of providing Internet access for schools is subject to a number of factors, including the availability of relevant services and competition in the market. It is not yet clear what effect, if any, the proposed merger will have on the cost of such services.