§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which areas within the Chorley constituency(a) have been and (b) have not been connected to broadband. [116398]
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with BT(a) in relation to the roll-out of broadband and (b) on ensuring that all areas receive broadband as soon as possible. [116399]
§ Mr. TimmsMy colleagues and I maintain regular contact with BT across a wide range of issues as we do with other broadband providers. The Government's target is for the UK to have the most competitive and extensive broadband market in the G7 by 2005. Around 70 per cent. of UK homes and businesses already have access to broadband. Oftel have reported that the UK has over 2 million broadband connections and this is rising by well over 30,000 per week.