To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions her Department has had with the European Commission on cyber-security; and what contribution the UK is making to Commissioner Reding's proposed cyber-defence plan. (201674)

My Department, as well as officials from several other Departments, have regular discussions with Commission officials on aspects of cyber-security. This year officials have taken part in workshops on the electronic aspects of the programme for European Critical Infrastructure protection. Officials have also worked with Commission officials on the ongoing work of the European Network and Information Security Agency and attended workshops to discuss ideas for the proposed Communication on Critical Information Infrastructure Protections that will be issued by Mrs Reding’s Directorate of the Commission.