Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Oral Answers to Questions

Ian Swales Excerpts
Thursday 20th January 2011

(13 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Vaizey of Didcot Portrait Mr Vaizey
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We regularly have discussions with the operators on the advertised broadband speeds that they put out. As Ofcom and the Advertising Standards Authority have made clear, it is very important that broadband operators should be clear about what speeds are available. However, I am happy to pursue further the point that the hon. Gentleman raises.

Ian Swales Portrait Ian Swales (Redcar) (LD)
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Is the Minister aware that in many parts of the country broadband access is quite good in domestic premises, because the roll-out of cable TV has dealt with domestic problems, but often very poor in commercial premises in high streets and business parks?

Lord Vaizey of Didcot Portrait Mr Vaizey
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Yes. It is important to emphasise that even in an area where, in theory, superfast broadband already exists, there will still be patches where the broadband connections are not as good. That is why we have set aside such a substantial sum of money to help with the roll-out of broadband.