Written question asked by Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 27 March 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 March 2000. It was answered by Lord Wills (Labour) on Thursday, 30 March 2000 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what impact there has been on (a) the timetable for and (b) the cost of providing Internet access to schools as a result of delays caused by the Competition Commission's review of the proposed acquisition by NTL of Cable and Wireless Communications' cable interests.

Answer: Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what impact there has been on (a) the timetable for and (b) the cost of providing internet access to schools as a result of delays caused by the Competition Commission's review of the proposed acquisition by NTL of Cable and Wireless Communications' cable interests. [116960] Mr. Wills: The Government do not anticipate any delays in the programme for connecting all schools to the internet by 2002. The cost of providing internet access for schools is subject to a number of actors, including the availability of relevant services and competition in the market. It is not yet clear what effect, if any, the proposed merger will have on the cost of such services.

Secondary information