Stephen Timms MP

Stephen Timms MP (Labour) (Formerly Chief Secretary, HM Treasury. Minister of State for e-commerce and competitiveness. Has held it in the past as well.)

After studying mathematics with a senior scholarship at Cambridge University, he worked in the computing and telecommunications industry for 15 years before entering Parliament in 1994, first for Logica and then for Ovum. He advised Labour's information society policy forum in Opposition, and has been honorary president of the Telecommunications Users Association and a member of the Council of the Parliamentary Information Technology Committee. He is a member of EURIM.

An IT specialist by profession, he is also a supporter of the wide application of new communication technologies. Mr Timms is a member of the Christian Socialist movement and a committed pro-European. He was nominated as a candidate for Internet Hero by the UK Internet Services Providers' Association in 2003 and 2005. "For his effective work as E-commerce Minister which will be missed by the Internet industry"

Piracy

Written answers Stephen Timms (Minister of State (e-Commerce & Competitiveness) Music Piracy 15 September 2003

We have studied various and somewhat contradictory assessments that have been made by others considering the effect of music piracy on the internet on music sales and the cost of legally purchased music. These suggest that reliable evaluation of the relationship would be difficult. Moreover, my understanding is that much illegal file sharing on the internet is illegal private copying rather than piracy which further adds to the difficulty of an evaluation.
Although UK copyright law already provides strong protection for those who own rights in music, our implementation in the UK of the EU Copyright Directive will clarify these rights and introduce criminal offences for internet music piracy, that is wilful illegal transmission of music on the internet when conducted at least on a commercial scale. The increasing availability of legitimate music tracks on the internet should also assist in encouraging those engaged in illegal private copying to desist and the clarification of the law resulting from the Copyright Directive should enable the music industry to trade online with even greater confidence.

Communications Bill, Deterrence of Piracy, Counterfeiting Stephen Timms 4 March 2003

We have had an interesting discussion. The Government certainly believe that copyright theft over the internet is a serious issue for many rights holders.
...
In the past year, for example, its members have discussed closer working between affected industries and the police hi-tech crime unit. In addition, the proposals that we have made in the context of the UK implementation of the copyright directive include a new criminal offence in copyright law to apply to those who wilfully make copyright material available on the internet without a licence in the course of business proceedings or on a commercial scale. That will assist enforcers seeking to deal with piracy of digital material.
Different approaches are needed to combat illegal private copying on the internet. The proposals for implementation of the copyright directive would strengthen the action to be taken against those who circumvent technical protection measures or provide equipment or services for doing so, which we discussed. Those are particularly important in the internet environment and provide copyright owners with statutory backing to develop their use of the technology. However, the copyright directive does not mandate the use of particular technology; that is an issue for rights holders to decide for themselves. The fact that recent pirate copies of films were reported to have been traced back to unprotected copies given pre-release to academy award judges suggests that the film industry needs to reflect on its own use of appropriate technology.

Copyright

Westminster Hall debates Stephen Timms MP Minister of State (e-Commerce & Competitiveness) Media Intellectual Property Rights 10 February 2004

I congratulate the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake) on securing the debate, which raises some important issues and the particular concern of his constituent, as he explained. The Government are acutely aware of the need for effective protection of intellectual property rights in material created for and exploited in the media nationally and internationally.
It is also important that that protection should be balanced with the interests of others in society, whether from the perspective of freedom for users of protected material to make reasonable use of it for purposes of reporting, education, study and so on, or from that of enabling legitimate competition, or for other reasons. That balance has to be maintained in the Government's approach.
...
The directive also provides for a number of exceptions to rights in areas where limited use of copyright material without permission should be permissible. The need for an essential balance between the interests of rights holders and the users of copyright material has been recognised for a long time in UK law. We have welcomed the recognition of that balance in the copyright directive and as far as possible we have preserved existing exceptions in the new regulations.
...

DRM

Westminster Hall debates Stephen Timms MP Minister of State (e-Commerce & Competitiveness) Media Intellectual Property Rights 10 February 2004

The most recent directive on copyright in the information society was implemented in the UK last October. It strengthens the protection of copyright in the digital environment. In particular, although the original UK legislation already gave rights owners extensive rights to control electronic dissemination of their material, the directive has required an amendment to the law to make those rights more clear and comprehensive.
The internet and services that deliver material on demand to consumers are important. The directive means that rights owners now have greater legal redress against those who seek to defeat technological measures such as copy-preventing devices. Rights owners need to be able to use such devices to protect their property, given the possibilities for unlimited copying and dissemination that modern technology affords.
The directive also provides for a number of exceptions to rights in areas where limited use of copyright material without permission should be permissible. The need for an essential balance between the interests of rights holders and the users of copyright material has been recognised for a long time in UK law. We have welcomed the recognition of that balance in the copyright directive and as far as possible we have preserved existing exceptions in the new regulations.
...

Communications Bill, Deterrence of Piracy, Counterfeiting Stephen Timms 4 March 2003

The recitals in the copyright directive emphasise the importance of all the parties involved—rights holders, intermediaries and equipment manufacturers—reaching voluntary agreements on standards. That must be the right way forward, not least in view of the inherently international character of the net.
Digital rights management is important for the content industries. We are already working with industry on that as part of the work of the broadband stakeholder group. It is aimed to create an inventory of current content management systems, and to spread wider knowledge about likely value chains and the major economic, legal and technical issues at different points in those chains. A framework is to be set up within which to evaluate the various elements of digital rights management. Much work is going on in this area. I hope that my right hon. Friend will be reassured that we are taking the issue seriously.

Children's Digital Rights

Supporter of PLASC.

BBC reported in 2002 the Minister for School Standards, Stephen Timms, said there was no suggestion of privacy or rights being breached.

"The rights of pupils and parents will not be affected by the collection of this new information. The census must record which pupils have been excluded" "We have had extensive discussions with the Information Commissioner and civil liberty organisations to ensure that data protection and privacy issues are fully addressed, and they have been," said Mr Timms. The census would allow the department to monitor "rigorously" the impact of its education policies on our nation's children. "For the first time we will be able to see how programmes can be developed and improved to target more effectively the needs of specific groups of children such as ethnic minorities."

Spam

In favour of "opt in consent" for unsolicited emails. This means businesses will only be able to send unsolicited commercial e-mails to people with their consent. How ever in the end the government passed opt-out legislation in the end and as he was e-commerce minster at the time he had to defend the government position.

Stephen Timms, E-commerce Minister 2 July 2003

At best spam is annoying intrusion, clogging up inboxes with messages that have to be thrown away

The All Party Internet Group hosted a Spam Summit on the 1st July 2003 at Portcullis House. Stephen Timms, E-Commerce Minister gave a Keynote Speech (doc file) at the event.

Broadband

Stephen Timms said after chairing a broadband summit Timms: Next-gen broadband key to UK economy 28 November 2007

"Ultra-fast broadband is going to be a key future technology that will allow our businesses to innovate, grow and create wealth. In this age of information-sharing and knowledge, communications systems lie at the heart, underpinning everything that we do. If we delay in putting this new network into place, it could be a barrier to the future success of our economy."

Stephen Timms told Computing. UK needs broadband offensive 20 September 2007

“It is a concern that investment is not taking place on any scale,”
“I am very keen that we make sure we are in a strong position relative both to other countries and to the needs of our economy and our users. High-speed broadband is a key challenge in my role as minister for competitiveness.”

Kable report in Timms makes broadband rallying cry and in ZDNet Government may back fibre rollout to homes 19 September 2007

"When I became e-commerce minister five years ago, the UK was neck-and-neck with Croatia on broadband availability and use,"
"Together, thanks in no small measure to the work of the Broadband Stakeholder Group, we fixed that problem and put Britain in a leading position. However, today we face a new challenge. Other countries are starting to invest in new, fibre-based infrastructure, delivering considerably higher bandwidth than is available in the UK today."
"As minister for competitiveness, I see it as one of my highest personal priorities that we have a high-performance telecommunications infrastructure in every part of the country, enabling us to compete successfully on a global basis,"
"That is why I have decided to chair a high-level summit later this year to consider the circumstances that might trigger public-sector intervention, the form that intervention might take, and at what level it might sensibly take place."

Stephen Timms speech to the Broadband Stakeholder GroupNext Generation Access 18 September 2007

As Minister for Competitiveness, I see it as key to UK competitiveness, and one of my highest personal priorities, that we have a high performance telecommunications infrastructure in every part of the country, enabling us to compete successfully on a global basis.
...
But before too long, the wider economy is going to need high speed broadband.
...
Unlike elsewhere, there are in the UK hardly any fibre to the home connections. In fact, I don’t know of a single one. If there are any, I would be grateful if someone can tell me where it is! The OECD records the number of fibre to the home connections in the UK as zero, compared to 46,000 in the Slovak republic, 900,000 in the US and almost 8 million in Japan.
...
Services and applications coming onto the market will only be properly exploited and enjoyed if the bandwidth exists to deliver them to the end user. The recent publicity around the BBC iPlayer and the reaction from some Internet Service Providers on the impact on their networks and business models is a case in point.
...
The regulatory framework is the responsibility of Ofcom. I welcome Ofcom’s consultation document on next generation access to be published a week today, and hope that everyone here will respond to the questions raised in the document. There is a key opportunity to make sure the regulatory framework is fit for purpose.
Public sector interventions on broadband have included initiatives on a significant scale, as in the Act Now initiative in Cornwall and the Digital Region public sector aggregation project in South Yorkshire. These interventions need to be well targeted, and to avoid distorting the market. They would make matters worse if they discouraged private sector investment. We need a dialogue to build trust and I want to play my part in that.
...
Some might argue that, if Government believes next generation broadband is so important, why don’t we pay for it? We shan’t be going down that road. It would take us backwards, to a less successful era, and, as we made clear in a document jointly with Ofcom earlier this year, run the risk of deterring private sector investment – duplicating investment that would have been made by the market, or undermining existing investment. The market must take the lead.
...
I see a threefold challenge:
  • First, ensuring a strong and competitive telecommunications sector, delivering new and innovative services;
  • Second that the sector is able to invest to deliver the required infrastructure and to generate the requisite returns; and
  • Third, that a suitable regulatory framework is in place – one that promotes competition and consumer interests, but also provides confidence for investors.
So I have decided to chair a high level summit later this year to consider the circumstances that might trigger public sector intervention, the form that intervention might take and at what level it might sensibly take place. I want it to be an open exchange, to bring together key people from Government, from Ofcom and from industry. It will be under Chatham House rule , so that the full range of issues can be explored in the confidence that they will help to inform important policy considerations.

Stephen Timms, E-commerce Minister 6 May 2003

It is no secret that compared with a number of other countries the UK has made a slow start with broadband communications
"I want to see every public library in the UK have a wi-fi hotspot"

E-Government

Strongly in favour of providing more government services over the web.

Internet take-down

Communications Bill, Deterrence of Piracy, Counterfeiting Stephen Timms 4 March 2003

The hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr. Allan) called for better procedures around notice and take-down for internet service providers. He has given us an example of why, the week before last, he was designated "internet hero" at the annual award ceremony of the Internet Service Providers Association. The e-commerce directive, which we have implemented in the UK, provides a defence for internet service providers as mere conduits. Officials are discussing with internet service providers whether there is a need for guidance on notice and take down—the point that the hon. Gentleman made.
I would not favour giving Ofcom a specific remit in this field, as that would have only tangential relevance to its core remits set out in clause 3(1) or to the functions set out in the Bill or in existing legislation that the Bill will transfer to Ofcom. Of course, there is nothing to stop Ofcom conducting the kind of discussion envisaged in the new clause and proposed by my right hon. Friend. I know that those at Ofcom will read with great interest the discussion that we have just had, and what he and others said in the debate. The issue is one to which the Patent Office is fully committed, in consultation with the two Government Departments. I believe that that is the right institutional lead for policy work in this area, and on that basis I hope that my right hon. Friend will withdraw the motion.

News

2008-01-30 - ZDNet - Timms replaced with 'tough' new broadband minister
Author: David Meyer
Summary: Stephen Timms has been replaced as broadband minister by Baroness Shriti Vadera, formerly of the Department for International Development. As the competitiveness minister, one of Timms's briefs had been the UK's broadband infrastructure, currently in a state of flux as the core network is being upgraded by BT and others into a "next-generation network" (NGN). He had also been dealing with more general IT issues, like training and e-commerce. The move towards "next-generation access" (NGA) — or fibre to the home (FTTH) — will pose challenges for Vadera, as it is yet to be determined who will pay for the upgrade.
2007-11-28 - ZDNet - Timms: Next-gen broadband key to UK economy
Author: Natasha Lomas
Summary: Ultra-fast broadband is going to be a key technology to drive future growth of the UK economy, the competitiveness minister, Stephen Timms, has said. Timms was speaking after chairing a broadband summit to discuss the infrastructure needed to support next-generation networks.
2007-11-26 - The Guardian - Minister leads push for faster broadband
Author: Richard Wray
Summary: Telecoms executives have been summoned to a meeting today with the government and the regulator, Ofcom, to thrash out a plan to stop Britain slipping behind in the global broadband league. The summit, organised by Stephen Timms, the competitiveness minister and former e-commerce minister, will tackle how to increase internet access speeds, paving the way for services such as high-definition internet TV, and who will pay the £7bn or so for the infrastructure. ... In September, Timms, a former telecoms industry analyst, warned that the UK risked being left behind as other countries such as France, Germany, the US, Japan and South Korea built home broadband networks far faster than anything available in Britain. He said: "We need timely deployment of technology. We can't afford to lag behind. We need the right conditions for the market to operate effectively."
2007-11-07 - Department of Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform - Stephen Timms picks up Outstanding Contribution to UK IT award
Summary: Competitiveness Minister Stephen Timms picked up an award for his outstanding contribution to information technology in the UK on 7 November 2007. The winner of the Outstanding Contribution to UK IT award is chosen by the Editor of Computing, Bryan Glick, and was presented to Stephen at the 15th annual Computing Awards for Excellence. Stephen Timms said "I'm delighted to have been awarded this prize. Information technology is a real priority for me; ensuring access to high performance technology in the UK is vital if we’re going to compete successfully on a global basis. It’s important we don’t lag behind in developing and promoting the use of new technology." Bryan Glick, editor of Computing, said "Stephen Timms has been a real champion in government for the IT industry and for the one million IT professionals in the UK, and he has recognised the vital role of technology to the UK's competitiveness. Computing is delighted to reward Stephen's contribution to, and support of, UK IT."
2007-10-19 - ZDNet - Timms: Home workers will need fibre access
Author: David Meyer and Tom Espiner
Summary: The minister for competitiveness, Stephen Timms, has renewed his calls for fibre access to be rolled out across the UK - this time claiming that high-quality videoconferencing makes it necessary. Speaking at the 2007 Parliament and the Internet Conference in Westminster on Thursday, Timms said a growing demand for flexible working meant that the national telecommunications infrastructure needed an upgrade to fibre. ... "UK broadband is in a leading position in terms of availability and use — it's already made an important contribution to UK economic success," said Timms on Thursday. "Data traffic has become more intense. We want to support new access to technology, and not encourage the digital divide.
2007-09-26 - BBC News - Ofcom looks to future of fast net
Summary: Regulator Ofcom has added its voice to the growing debate about how the UK should roll out super-fast broadband. Stephen Timms, Minister for Competitiveness, ordered a summit on the issue and did not rule out the possibility of public sector intervention.
2007-09-20 - Computing - UK needs broadband offensive
Author: Sarah Arnott
Summary: The government is calling a meeting of broadband industry stakeholders to ensure the UK keeps up with global competitors. Next-generation internet access with speeds of up to 100Mbit/s is increasingly available in other countries but only limited pilots are under way here. Falling behind will damage UK business, competitiveness minister Stephen Timms told Computing. “It is a concern that investment is not taking place on any scale,” he said. “I am very keen that we make sure we are in a strong position relative both to other countries and to the needs of our economy and our users. High-speed broadband is a key challenge in my role as minister for competitiveness.”
2007-09-19 - The Times - Ofcom plans talks on UK's broadband future
Author: Richard Wray
Summary: Ofcom is preparing to wade into the growing debate over the next generation of ultra-high speed internet access, with the launch next week of a major consultation as it tries to keep the UK in the upper echelons of the broadband league. The news comes after Stephen Timms, minister for competitiveness and former e-commerce minister, announced plans to host a summit with industry to decide whether government intervention is needed to kick-start investment in the sort of fast broadband networks needed for services such as internet TV.
2007-09-19 - BBC - Government mulls broadband help
Summary: The UK government is considering intervening in the way broadband is rolled out, in an effort to speed up the deployment of super-fast services. Stephen Timms, Minister for Competitiveness, ordered a summit to look at the role of government in providing next-generation broadband. While other countries are investing in new ways to deliver higher bandwidth, the UK is seen as lagging behind. Mr Timms said broadband infrastructure was one of his "personal priorities".
2007-09-19 - ZDNet - Government may back fibre rollout to homes
Author: David Meyer
Summary: The UK government may intervene to promote the deployment of fibre connectivity across the country, according to the minister of state for competitiveness.
2007-09-19 - Kable - Timms makes broadband rallying cry
Summary: Competitiveness minister Stephen Timms has called for a road map to push forward the UK's move to super fast broadband. In his first major speech as competitiveness minister, Stephen Timms said the UK is in urgent need of setting out a clear route for its move to super fast broadband and warned that other countries are already ahead of the UK. Timms was speaking on 18 September 2007 at the launch of a new work programme of the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG) - the government's advisory group on broadband. He also announced a high-level summit on the need for public sector intervention in broadband deployment.
2007-07-12 - Kable - Timms handed IT role
Summary: Stephen Timms MP has been made the new minister of state for e-commerce, communications and information industries. ... Recognised for his knowledge on IT matters, Timms was minister of state for e-commerce and competitiveness at the Department of Trade and Industry between May 2002 and June 2003. He advised Labour's information society policy forum in opposition, and has been honorary president of the Telecommunications Users Association and a member of the Council of the Parliamentary Information Technology Committee.
2007-07-11 - OUT-LAW - IT worker becomes minister of e-commerce for second time
Summary: Stephen Timms MP a former IT and telecommunications worker has been appointed as the minister in charge of e-commerce, the communications and information industries and corporate governance.
2006-10-12 - The Parliament and the Internet Conference - The Internet and Economic Competitiveness
Summary: The Internet and Economic Competitiveness Ministerial speech from the Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury and a speech from Jon Gisby, VP Media and Communications, Yahoo! Europe
2006-08-08 - The Register - Public sector e-biz push threatens small firms
Summary: Thousands of small firms may miss out on valuable contracts by attempts to make the public sector tender process more efficient, new research claims. The final report, encompassing 12 London boroughs, will be officially launched on 13 September at a meeting attended by Stephen Timms, MP for East Ham and former e-commerce minister.
2006-03-13 - BBC - How to legislate against hackers
Summary: Too few MPs really understand the issues at stake here. None on the front benches, apart perhaps from former computer consultant Stephen Timms, could describe why a port scan might be a legitimate activity or even, I suspect, what a network port is in the first place.
2005-01-19 - The Register - Gloves off as ISPA gong nominees named
Author: Tim Richardson
Summary: Former ecommerce minister Stephen Timms and sprawling communications regulator Ofcom are in the running for the title of Internet Hero. "For his effective work as E-commerce Minister which will be missed by the Internet industry"
2004-07-02 - The Register - US, UK and Australia sign anti-spam act
Author: Drew Cullen
Summary: The UK, US and Australia are combining forces to combat spam. They have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote joint enforcement and investigation of spammers across the three countries. Stephen Timms, the UK communications minister, today called on other countries to join the trio in their anti-spam crusade. He said the MoU is "not going to solve spam overnight but it is going to help. It reinforces our determination to tackle spam with a combination of government and industry initiatives, technical solutions, and user awareness.
2004-04-28 - The Register - Hackers cost UK.biz billions
Author: John Leyden
Summary: A shortage of skills and a lack of investment in IT security is leaving British companies open to security breaches. But many UK businesses have a misplaced sense of confidence about their defences. Stephen Timms, the e-Commerce minister, said: "Risks are not well managed. We need to dispel the illusion the information security issues are somebody else's problem. It's time to roll up our sleeves. The stakes are high and security costs will only increase unless more companies apply best practices in corporate governance."
2004-03-22 - BBC - P.o.r.n net watchdog touts triumphs
Summary: "The IWF has contributed to a dramatic reduction in potentially illegal content in Britain since its inception in 1996," said the e-commerce minister Stephen Timms."We continue to support its work across international borders by urging other countries to follow this very successful model."
2004-02-20 - The Register - Spamhaus crowned Internet heroes of 2003
Author: Lucy Sherriff
Summary: Steve Linford and Spamhaus were crowned the Internet's heroes of 2003. The spam-fighting organisation was nominated against a list of public sector figures, including e-minister Stephen Timms.
2004-01-22 - BBC - 'New goals' needed for broadband
Summary: E-commerce minister Stephen Timms agreed that efforts to create a "broadband Britain" should not be relaxed. "Excellent progress has been made in the last 12 months with a big increase in coverage, choice and take-up of broadband," he said. "However, we agree with the BSG that there is more to do." "The widespread adoption and use of broadband is key to further improving UK business productivity and competitiveness."
2004-01-19 - BBC - 'Mobile censorship' for under-18s
Summary: Orange, O2, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Virgin and 3 have signed up to a Code of Practice, which imposes an "18" classification on adult content. E-commerce Minister Stephen Timms said it was a much-needed "excellent example of responsible self-regulation".
2003-11-14 - BBC - Build it and they may not come
Author: Bill Thompson
Summary: The e-minister, Stephen Timms, has added another aspiration to the government's list of 'things to do about the internet'. No longer content with making sure that everyone has access to the net by 2005, or making the UK the best place in the world for e-commerce, he now wants to ensure that everyone has access to broadband by 2005 too.
2003-09-18 - The Register - UK Govt fouls up anti-spam plans, say experts
Author: John Leyden
Summary: The UK Government's plans to tackle the spam nuisance have received a hostile initial response from industry experts. Communications Minister Stephen Timms today outlined measures to update existing legislation to give phone and Internet users more control over how their personal details are used. ... Steve Linford, of the Spamhaus Project, argues that the measures actually legalise the spamming of British businesses. "From 11 December it will be legal to send spam to the millions of hapless employees of British businesses (as long as each spammer gives each employee the opportunity to 'opt-out' of his individual spam campaign). Britain's firms will continue to suffer the onslaught of ever more spam, now from spammers claiming legality."
2003-09-18 - BBC - UK bans spam messages
Summary: The UK has made spam a criminal offence to try to stop the flood of unsolicited messages. Under the new law, spammers could be fined £5,000 in a magistrates court or an unlimited penalty from a jury. "It's crucial that people feel safe and have confidence in utilising electronic communication technologies," said Mr Timms. "These regulations will help combat the global nuisance of unsolicited e-mails and texts by enshrining in law rights that give consumers more say over who can use their personal details. "
2003-09-11 - BBC - Libraries could get wireless web
Summary: Wireless, high-speed broadband net access in libraries is one of the ideas put forward by Stephen Timms, the UK E-commerce minister. The minister outlined his vision of Britain's broadband future to industry experts meeting in London this week. He said the government's approach was to develop the most competitive broadband market amongst G7 nations.
2003-07-02 - BBC - MPs uncover seedy world of spam
Author: Jackie Storer
Summary: E-commerce Minister Stephen Timms said the Westminster summit could not be more timely, with the UK set to implement a European Union directive that will make unsolicited e-mails illegal across member states. "At best spam is annoying intrusion, clogging up inboxes with messages that have to be thrown away "
2003-05-21 - BBC - No state handouts for broadband
Summary: The government has no plans to subsidise broadband services to ensure they are available in remote areas of the UK, E-commerce Minister Stephen Timms has insisted.
2003-05-06 - BBC - BT urges action on rural broadband
Summary: BT's Director for Public Sector Broadband, Patricia Jones, said it was not doing enough to get fast net services to those on the wrong side of the digital divide. "Frankly government efforts are too slow," she said. "I challenge it to get 20 regional initiatives up and running in the next year." In a debate in parliament last week, E-commerce Minister Stephen Timms acknowledged that the government needed to do more to improve broadband coverage.
2002-11-08 - BBC - Why the UK needs a net visionary
Author: Bill Thompson
Summary: Stephen Timms expressed concern that not enough small businesses were getting online, and asked us to applaud the government's efforts to benchmark its provision of online services against other countries, all in a spirit of friendly competition. He talked about the excitement of visiting Silicon Valley four years ago and seeing website links on every billboard, and of the 6,000 public access points that will soon be available.
2002-10-08 - BBC - Britain clicks on broadband button
Summary: "It took five years for the UK to see a million people using mobile phones," said E-Commerce Minister Stephen Timms. "At this pace, the UK is well on its way to being the most extensive and competitive market for broadband in the world."
2002-06-20 - Computer Weekly - Eurim to give IT users a voice in Westminster
Author: John Riley
Summary: Stephen Timms and John Healey, who are both Eurim members, were recently promoted to e-commerce minister and economic secretary to the Treasury, respectively.
2002-01-17 - BBC - School census 'is surveillance'
Summary: Mrs Dowty said Arch had been inundated with telephone calls from head teachers. Many heads felt the census would damage relations between them and parents, as they were providing personal information about children. The Minister for School Standards, Stephen Timms, said there was no suggestion of privacy or rights being breached. "The rights of pupils and parents will not be affected by the collection of this new information."
1999-12-24 - BBC - Treasury stands by Timms
Summary: Stephen Timms, financial secretary to the Treasury, is in the process of completing the transfer of a 3.7% stake he and his wife hold in the company, Ovum Ltd, into an arms-length trust. His stake in the firm is a potential embarrassment because the Treasury is working on a change to the tax regime, known as IR35, which its critics claim will damage small IT consultancies while benefiting larger operations such as Ovum.

Links

Retrieved from "https://wiki.openrightsgroup.org/w/index.php?title=Stephen_Timms_MP&oldid=47394"