Written question asked by Roy Beggs (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 18 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 June 2003. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Monday, 30 June 2003 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make a statement on the services available through the PPI managed Education and Library Board computer system; and why files greater than 1.44 Mb cannot be accessed through this system.

Answer: Mr. Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the services available through the PPI managed Education and Library Board computer system; and why files greater than 1.44 Mb cannot be accessed through this system. [120943] Angela Smith: In answering this question I am assuming that you are referring to the People's Network Service provided by the Electronic Libraries Programme in Northern Ireland through the Private Finance Initiative. This service provides free broadband public access to the internet from all public library sites in Northern Ireland. There is no restriction on the size of file that can be accessed through the system. However, in order to ensure the quality of access to these resources is maintained irrespective of location, it has been necessary is to limit the size of files which can be downloaded from the internet to 1.44 Mb. This was chosen because it is equal to the maximum capacity available on a floppy disc. The Electronic Libraries Programme is presently in the implementation phase and the current file download size of 1.44 Mb will be reviewed at the end of implementation, and at regular intervals throughout the term of the contract.

Secondary information