MINISTER SPEAKS AT ISPA/APIG JOINT EVENT IN HOUSE OF COMMONS

29 June, 1999

Over 140 people attended the joint ISPA/APIG reception yesterday on the House of Commons Terrace, hosted by Derek Wyatt MP, Chairman of the All Parliamentary Internet group (APIG). The event was a huge success, giving ISPA members the opportunity to discuss current issues with the Minister for Telecoms, Michael Wills MP, the large number of MPs present and officials from OFTEL and the DTI.

Following brief introductions from Derek Wyatt MP, and Tim Pearson, Chairman of ISPA, Mr Wills spoke about the future of Internet policy in the UK. He sought to reassure representatives of the industry that the government was concentrating its efforts in bringing legislation up to speed with the development of technology, while recognising this was a difficult task.

The Minister talked about plans to work more closely with industry in order to achieve a suitable regulatory framework for all. He then invited ISPs to approach him on a one-to-one basis during the remainder of the reception in order to put questions directly to him.

The event was sponsored by Ashurst Morris Crisp, Cable & Wireless Communications and Microsoft.

Ends.

Note for editors:

1. The UK Internet Services Providers Association (ISPA UK) was set up in 1995 as a trade association to represent UK companies in the Internet sector. For a list of members or other information about ISPA, please consult the website: http://www.ispa.org.uk

2. For additional details please contact Secretary General of ISPA, Nicholas Lansman, on 0171 976 0679 or email: secretariat@ispa.org.uk