Written question asked by Roger Berry (Labour) on Thursday, 4 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 July 2002. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Thursday, 18 July 2002 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make it her policy in the forthcoming Communications Bill to extend Ofcom's proposed duty to promote equal employment opportunities for disabled people in the broadcasting industry to the (a) telecommunications and (b) internet industries, and work connected with these services.

Answer: Mr. Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make it her policy in the forthcoming Communications Bill to extend Ofcom's proposed duty to promote equal employment opportunities for disabled people in the broadcasting industry to the (a) telecommunications and (b) internet industries, and work connected with these services. [68306] Dr. Howells: The EC Directives limit the conditions which can be attached to the provision of electronic networks and services. The permitted categories would not provide a basis for imposing any such controls.

Secondary information