Carmichael – “Government must take broadband action now to prevent Isles businesses losing out” (Galloway and Upper Nithsdale Liberal Democrats)

Galloway and Upper Nithsdale Liberal Democrats <fionambuchanan56@yahoo.co.uk>

Carmichael – “Government must take broadband action now to prevent Isles businesses losing out”

August 25, 2009 3:14 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael has this week written to UK Treasury Minister Stephen Timms MP to seek clarification on comments made by Mr Timms last week which seemed to indicate that plans to pay for the full roll-out of next generation broadband would be delayed until after the general election.

The Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) has already warned that the Highlands and Islands who lack the technology 'will be at a substantial and long-lasting active competitive disadvantage'.

Commenting, Mr Carmichael said -

"If these reports are true, then it would appear that government policy on broadband provision is disarray. That may be embarrassing for Ministers bit for business it could be disastrous. An early and comprehensive clarification on what is now going to be delivered is essential.

The competitive disadvantage facing local businesses as a result of poor broadband speeds is an issue I have raised with the Treasury numerous times, most recently during the statement on 'Digital Britain'. The SCDI is absolutely right that the lack of super fast broadband is already stifling business innovation and creation across the Northern Isles. This disadvantage will only worsen should the government delay its plans to pay for the roll-out of UK wide super fast broadband.

"In my letter to Mr Timms I have asked how and when the Treasury plan to propose the new tax required for the roll out of super-fast broadband and have made clear that government action towards rolling out super-fast broadband must be a matter of priority for UK business"

Notes:

Mr Carmichael's most recent Parliamentary question regarding Digital Britain on 16 June 2009 can be seen online at -

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090616/debtext/90616-0006.htm#09061634000245