§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what measures he proposes to take to ensure that Culture On Line's activities do not infringe intellectual copyright; [154758]
(2) what assessment he has made of the potential cost of Culture On Line to public funds. [154757]
§ Mr. Chris SmithIn September 2000 we secured £5 million from HM Treasury to develop the concept for Culture Online. We are currently preparing a business case for Culture Online, which will include an assessment of both the cost of delivering Culture Online and the scope for any commercial participation. The business case will be completed by July 2001 and will establish the case, if any, for public funding. It will also include an assessment of the most suitable business model for Culture Online, taking into account a number of issues including ownership of Intellectual Property Rights. Specialist legal advice will be included in this assessment.