§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what financial assistance has been provided to(a) local authorities and (b) regional development agencies to encourage internet service providers to roll out broadband internet facilities to villages and small towns throughout the United Kingdom; [62100]
(2) what incentives are offered by her Department to encourage internet service providers to roll out broadband technology facilities to villages and small towns throughout the United Kingdom. [62099]
§ Mr. Timms[holding answer 18 June 2002]: The Government have made available a £30 million fund to help the Regional Development Agencies and devolved Administrations develop innovative schemes to extend broadband networks.
The Government's broadband strategy was set out in the UK Online annual report, and included measures to maximise competition in the broadband market and facilitate easy access to broadband services.
Structural Funds can also be used for broadband access projects provided they meet the criteria set out in the Single Programming Documents agreed with the Commission for each English region and the devolved Administrations.