§ Gregory BarkerTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what representations he has received regarding the accessibility of government services via the internet. [120867]
§ Mr. AlexanderI have received a wide range of representations on the subject.
The Government are committed to internet access for all who want it by 2005. Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (published in April) show that levels of internet access in the UK continue to grow. 50 per cent. of the adult population are now regular users of the internet. In May, to further drive up levels of internet use, we launched the "Get Started" campaign to promote the benefits of the internet to key groups such as the elderly, those with disabilities and the unemployed.
To promote the accessibility of websites themselves it has been Government policy since February 2001 that all new or redesigned websites meet the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Accessibility Initiative's guidelines. These are detailed in the "Guidelines for UK Government Websites" available on the Office of the e-Envoy's website or in printed copy from the Stationery Office.