To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to recommendation 57 on page 16 of the Digital Britain White Paper, what assistance his Department will provide to households who are unable to meet the 50 pence per month charge to be levied on fixed lines as payment for the Next Generation Fund and who are not on a social telephony scheme. (281465)

[holding answer 19 June 2009]: We have recognised that those on the lowest incomes might have difficulty paying the fixed line levy and that is why we have confirmed that those on social telephony schemes will be exempt. The social telephony schemes are available to those on income support, income-based Job Seeker's Allowance, Employment Support Allowance (income-rated) or Guaranteed Pensions Credit and should be an accurate indication of ability to pay. We have no plans for additional exemptions from the levy.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will estimate the annual revenue to the public purse of the proposed levy of 50 pence per month on each fixed copper line proposed in the Digital Britain White Paper. (281763)

[holding answer 23 June 2009]: In the Digital Britain report, the Government estimated that a supplement of 50p per month can be expected to raise £150 million-£175 million a year for the Next Generation Fund.