Written question asked by Helen Goodman (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 October 2006. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 October 2006 on behalf of the Home Office.

Internet Service Providers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the costs to internet service providers of blocking access to child pornography sites; and what discussions he has had with colleagues at the Department of Trade and Industry on this matter.

Answer: This is new technology and different internet service providers (ISPs) are developing different solutions that are effective on their specific infrastructures. We recognise there are genuine cost issues for ISPs, particularly smaller ones, not just in developing the solution, but in administering it and in subscribing to the Internet Watch Foundation list, but take the view that the costs are proportionate to the benefits.My predecessor, the hon. Member for Wythenshawe and Sale, East (Paul Goggins) along with the then Department of Trade and Industry Minister the right hon. Member for Cardiff, South and Penarth (Alun Michael) held meetings with ISPs on 22 and 28 March 2006.

Secondary information