§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the responsibilities of the incoming e-Envoy; and how, if at all these differ from when the post was held by Mr Alex Allan. [HL4708]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe e-Envoy's primary responsibility has not changed since Alex Allan was appointed as the Government's first e-Envoy—that is, to meet the Government's aim of making the UK one of the world's leading knowledge economies by getting the UK online. My honourable friend the Minister for e-Commerce and the e-Envoy will continue to report to my right honourable friend the Prime Minister monthly in writing, and quarterly in person, on progress towards the Government's targets.
However, as the noble Lord is aware, the environment in which the next e-Envoy will operate has evolved. The UK, and the global e-commerce environment have changed, becoming more sophisticated; our e-government strategy has developed; and the office of the e-Envoy's structure has altered to support this.
Therefore, the ways in which this overall responsibility will be achieved, and the skills it requires, have developed.