§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) when she last met the Regional Broadband Unit to discuss the rollout of broadband services in Scotland. [91737]
(2) if she will make a statement on her Department's role in how the money awarded to Scotland from the UK Broadband Fund is to be spent. [91740]
(3) if she will make a statement on her Department's policy on the development of broadband services for the benefit of (a) small businesses in rural areas and (b) consumers in rural areas. [91739]
§ Mrs. LiddellThe Scottish Executive is taking forward the rollout of broadband in Scotland with its strategy, 'Connecting Scotland our broadband future—Making it Happen', for accelerating and widening access, and for increasing take up across Scotland. Both the small business sector and rural consumers are recognised priorities.
Scottish interests on the UK Broadband Taskforce, previously the Regional Broadband Unit, are represented by the Executive, which also negotiates directly with the Department of Trade and Industry on awards to Scotland from the UK Broadband Fund.