To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills on the provision of high-speed broadband access in rural areas. (279830)

Broadband availability is vitally important for rural areas. DEFRA Ministers have been in contact with ministerial colleagues in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to ensure that rural areas are taken into account in the development of the Digital Britain initiative which includes proposals for high speed next generation networks. DEFRA officials will continue to work closely with BIS on this matter.