UK government slammed over ecommerce delays

The UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has been attacked by MPs for delaying the publication of its ecommerce White Paper, and for leaving too little time for the vital consultation process.

The attack follows similar criticisms from organisations such as E centre UK, and the Foundation for Information Policy Research, which expressed dismay when the White Paper was released last month, leaving only three weeks for businesses to give their reaction to the complex plans.

DTI minister, Michael Wills found himself under attack from MPs at the Trade and Industry Select Committee meeting, which has been reviewing the DTI's work on the ecommerce paper over the last few months. Wills insisted that the consultation period has, in fact, been ongoing for some time, and will be sufficient to produce sound legislation.

Wills also claimed the tight timescale is not a major factor. "There has been a great deal of media comment on the tightness of timing. But by and large, industry seems happy with the consultation document," he said.

E centre UK director, Roger Till was far from impressed by Wills' comments. "I'm very disappointed by [the government's] reaction - it's true that we've all been speculating on what would be in the paper, but seeing it now is very different," he said.

DTI officials completed their evidence to the Select Committee by assuring that an 'e-envoy' charged with steering the ecommerce policies will soon be appointed.