To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-456 by Jim Mather on 8 June 2007, which members of the public and potential suppliers are being consulted on extending access to broadband technology.

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-456 by Jim Mather on 8 June 2007, when the consultation on extending access to broadband technology will end.

The Executive has now completed its consultation events with both the industry and the public.

A consultation was held on 8 May with potential broadband suppliers from across the UK. Two further consultation meetings took place on 18 May and 7 June with invited representatives from the larger clusters affected by the broadband reach issue, which are known to the Executive. Further information on event participants can be found at:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/BroadbandforScotland/SEBroadbandInitiatives/LatestNewsAnnouncements.

We are currently examining the consultation feedback. This will inform our policy approach to addressing the broadband reach issue.

We will announce our way forward in the coming months.