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Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Wilcox (Conservative) on Thursday, 10 June 2010.

Community Broadband Network

Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will ask the National Audit Office to investigate the formation, management and accounts of Community Broadband Network (CBN); whether they will ask the Financial Services Authority to investigate the compliance of CBN with the company rules lodged upon its formation; whether they will place accounts of CBN for each year since its formation in the Library of the House; how much money they and Government agencies have paid to CBN in each year since its formation; for what purpose; and which department paid the money in each case.
Answer

No evidence has been presented to the Government that suggests any need for the National Audit Office to investigate CBN. CBN's filings with the FSA are publicly available and up to date and no reason or evidence has been presented that would require an investigation. The Government do not hold accounts of CBN which is an Industrial and Provident Society. The former DTI and Defra paid £30,000 each to Ruralnet to set up CBN in 2003 and 2004. The Countryside Agency and Defra paid £30,000 and £42,500 respectively in 2004 and 2005 to support a mentoring scheme for local broadband projects. The Countryside Agency paid £8,000 in 2005 to CBN to support part of the development of the CBN website. This amounts to £140,500.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
82; 719 c55WA
Session
2010-12
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Subjects
Company accounts Grants Financial Services Authority Management National Audit Office Community Broadband Network
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk