HL Deb 02 November 2001 vol 627 c188WA
Baroness Byford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they propose to expand their original commitment to provide broadband services to rural areas; and what is the time-scale for the completion of this scheme. [HL966]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

The Government are committed to making the broadband market more extensive and competitive. To this end we have established the £30 million fund for regional development agencies and the devolved administrations to develop innovative schemes to extend broadband networks. The fund will operate over the years 2002–04. We are currently considering the recommendations of the broadband Stakeholder Group, and in addition, the Countryside Agency has included broadband issues in its audit of market towns.