HC Deb 21 March 2002 vol 382 cc454-5W
19. Jonathan Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what she is doing to increase use of broadband technology. [42869]

Mr. Alexander

The Government strategy to drive broadband rollout and take up was set out in the UK Online annual report published in December 2001.

The report includes a number of actions to stimulate demand, by making it easier to access broadband services, and stimulating the demand and supply of new broadband content and applications.

23. Mrs. Humble

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many homes and businesses have a broadband connection. [42874]

Mr. Alexander

Oftel's broadband brief published in February 2002 reported that there were over 146,000 ADSL end-users and 196,000 cable modem end-users. Take-up is growing rapidly, with a growth of over 500 per cent. over the last year.