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Finance (No. 2) Bill

I take the hon. Gentleman’s point. Unfortunately, however, I, unlike the hon. Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Julia Goldsworthy) who referred to her elderly or low-paid constituent whose rich relative purchased a computer, do not have many constituents for whom that is the case. In schools, hardware is being given to kids because that is the only way that they will get access to computers in the home. I do not disagree with the hon. Gentleman’s points, but he must recognise that many low-paid workers, unemployed and elderly people will not be able to purchase the equipment. I would be radical and say that in some cases we should give the equipment free to certain user groups, as it will end up certainly saving them money and also saving the Exchequer money in relation to the accessing of certain services. I would welcome support for that initiative from the Conservative Front Bench. As other Members have pointed out, the scheme has been successful in allowing certain sections of the community to access computers. That is good, but we now need to ensure that we direct money and resources to those who will never get access to computer equipment or IT skills unless we do such targeting.