This week Neil discusses the digital economy

LAST week in Parliament, the Digital Economy Bill was considered at second reading. This is when the principles of legislation are considered on the floor of the House before more detailed debate takes place in committee so it is a useful opportunity to highlight key issues of interest.

The UK has already established a strong digital economy footprint with both commercial transactions and public services support generating considerable internet traffic. There are many more opportunities for the digital economy to help create economic growth, and more access to public information and decision making.

Locally, the digital economy has allowed many small businesses to prosper. Stroud is now, for example, a recognised hub for e-learning with firms such as MMOUK, based in Fromehall Mill, producing a wide range of teaching and training videos. Such enterprises create jobs and support our communities. In Stonehouse, Nimble is becoming very strong in e-learning for schools and colleges, proving the benefits of new technologyies in the classroom.

These and other firms, notably those being established in business parks – often making use of formally redundant farmyards or old factories, are helping to develop a vibrant and modern economy in the Stroud Valleys and Vale. Even more can be achieved if we can deliver a fully comprehensive and capable internet coverage. The Digital Economy Bill is geared to this and, during the second reading debate, it became abundantly clear just how necessary this is (in my speech, I underlined the economic case for investment).

Another aspect of the digital economy is the way it can help people. One example is enabling deaf people to communicate more easily and, more specifically, there is scope to improve subtitling. Action on Hearing Loss is campaigning to this end so this, too, featured in the debate (I was pleased to raise it).

Other aspects of the digital economy where legislation can help are in protecting intellectual property and restricting access to pornographic material. This is going to be an interesting Bill. Ultimately, the digital economy will continue to grow so it must have the appropriate infrastructure to support it and regulations to protect users.