Results 1-20 of 1,072 for (in the 'Commons debates' OR in the 'Westminster Hall debates' OR in the 'Lords debates' OR in the 'Northern Ireland Assembly debates') speaker:Ian Lucas

Business, Innovation and Skills: High-Speed Broadband (12 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: The "Digital Britain" White Paper, published on 16 June, outlined the Government's plans for a next-generation fund, which will help to deliver at least 90 per cent. coverage of next-generation broadband for homes and businesses by 2017. The fund will be created through a levy of 50p per month on all fixed telecommunication lines.

Business, Innovation and Skills: High-Speed Broadband (12 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: I am surprised and disappointed that the Opposition are setting their face against a policy that will extend broadband to rural communities and create an inclusive broadband system. The Government have a firm and decisive position, and I would be very interested to hear what alternative proposals the Opposition have for delivering broadband to the rest of the country.

Business, Innovation and Skills: High-Speed Broadband (12 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: With respect, the Government have set out clear policies to intervene, where appropriate, to take the market position forward. Of course, a great deal of investment must be made by the private sector to take forward the extension of broadband across the UK, but the Government must also play their part. We are doing that by making it very clear indeed that we will support the development of...

Business, Innovation and Skills: High-Speed Broadband (12 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: Of course, it is not acceptable that individuals and businesses are excluded from access to broadband. It means that they cannot develop as they would like. For that reason, the Government have set out a clear policy and are determined to act to extend broadband coverage across the country.

Business, Innovation and Skills: High-Speed Broadband (12 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: It is extremely important that we recognise the huge impact that illegal file-sharing is having on creative industries, such as the music and film industries, in which we excel in the UK. Any suggestion of removing access from individuals would be very much a last resort, but there is a real issue that we need to confront and deal with, and we shall look closely at the available solutions.

Business, Innovation and Skills: High-Speed Broadband (12 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: The hon. Gentleman will be aware that Labour Members never like giving in to Murdoch and we are, therefore, very keen indeed to create and take forward a competitive business model. We are not in anyone's pocket. We want to create a level playing field in the UK and we shall work with business to achieve it.

Business, Innovation and Skills: Free Trade Agreement (Colombia) (12 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: With permission I should like to answer this question in conjunction with Questions 15 and 16.

Business, Innovation and Skills: Free Trade Agreement (Colombia) (12 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Business, Innovation and Skills: Free Trade Agreement (Colombia) (12 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: Negotiations between the European Union and the Community of Andean Nations were launched in 2007. The mandate was last revised in December 2008 when, because the Andean nations could not agree a common position— [ Interruption. ]

Business, Innovation and Skills: Free Trade Agreement (Colombia) (12 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: The mandate was last revised in 2008 when, because the Andean nations could not agree a common position, Colombia and Peru asked the European Commission to negotiate a multi-party trade agreement with interested Andean countries. Ecuador remains an observer.

Business, Innovation and Skills: Free Trade Agreement (Colombia) (12 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: Of course, free trade unions are a fundamental tenet of any civilised society. That is why we have successfully pressed the European Commission to include a human rights clause in the agreement with Colombia and Peru, which, if breached, would enable the agreement to be suspended.

Business, Innovation and Skills: Small Businesses (12 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: My noble Friend is providing valuable advice to the Government and is passionately committed to helping small businesses.

Business, Innovation and Skills: Small Businesses (12 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: I have many interesting discussions with the Secretary of State, but I certainly would not give him that advice.

Business, Innovation and Skills: Topical Questions (12 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: My hon. Friend raises a serious and grave issue. It is my understanding that the type of foul behaviour to which he referred is unlawful under current legislation and that action is being taken under it to counter that behaviour. The digital economy Bill will address issues relating to the infringement of copyright.

[Mr.Greg Pope in the Chair] — Arms Export Controls (5 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: It is a pleasure to be here this afternoon and to appear before you, Mr. Pope. It has been a privilege to listen to the debate, which has been of extremely high quality. I shall try to the best of my ability to address the issues that have been raised. If I do not deal with some questions during the course of the debate, I will ensure that responses are forwarded to right hon. and hon....

[Mr.Greg Pope in the Chair] — Arms Export Controls (5 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: I think that is correct; that is my understanding.

[Mr.Greg Pope in the Chair] — Arms Export Controls (5 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: I understand that it was a joint proposal from the NGOs and the industry. Secondly, on brokers and a register of brokers, it is helpful to make it clear that there is no difficulty in producing a list of individuals who have made applications in respect of export controls. We have a database from which those individuals could be identified. The issue is whether, if one produced a register,...

[Mr.Greg Pope in the Chair] — Arms Export Controls (5 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: That sanction would not be taken under the terms of the contract by the exporter from the UK. There would not be an effective clause in the contract that could be activated by the UK Government. The UK Government would not be in a position to take legal action against the company from abroad, for example, under the terms of the contract.

[Mr.Greg Pope in the Chair] — Arms Export Controls (5 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: I understand my hon. Friend's point but, carrying the argument a little further forward, it would mean that the detail of every contract made between an applicant and a purchaser would have to be made known to the UK Government. The clause would have to be produced to the UK Government to evidence the further action that my hon. Friend is suggesting.

[Mr.Greg Pope in the Chair] — Arms Export Controls (5 Nov 2009)

Ian Lucas: If an export licence has no such clause in the contract now, and the product ends up in an embargoed country, that would clearly determine consideration of any further application involving that company, even without a clause in the contract. In other words, the issue is the fact that the product ended up in an embargoed country, and the FCO would take that into account when considering any...