§ Jim KnightTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps are being taken to force public sector agencies in the South West to obtain best value for telecommunications services; and to what extent such agencies are being encouraged to use broadband. [33728]
§ Mr. AlexanderI have been asked to reply.
The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) is responsible for delivering value for money improvements in procurement by the public sector. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has asked OGC to consider what more can he done to help Government departments and other public sector organisations buy broadband more effectively.
In addition I recently detailed the allocation of a £30 million RDS broadband such with the South West RDA being awarded a £3.78 million package to encourage take up and rollout in their region.