HC Deb 07 July 2003 vol 408 cc566-7W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what funding will be made available for the provision of broadband infrastructure for rural villages. [123482]

Mr. Timms

My aim is for every community across the UK, irrespective of location, to be able to access affordable broadband from a competitive market.

Government will be spending £1 billion over the next few years on public sector connectivity. This will enable broadband access in every primary and secondary school, GP's surgeries and other public sector services. DTI, with Regional Development Agencies are aggregating this public sector demand and this investment will have a significant positive impact on industry investment and availability of broadband. I believe this will make a significant contribution to extending broadband to village communities.

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