MPs cast doubt on e-government promises

According to the latest Mori poll, commissioned by the World Internet Forum, only 61 per cent of MPs believe the government will meet its 2005 target - a fall of 13 per cent since the last survey in January.

The majority of MPs still support the UK Online project, but in spite of last week's launch of a £1bn internet initiative, their doubts over its success are growing.

Robert Blaney, CEO of the World Internet Forum, said the government lacks the understanding to implement the plan.

"The big problem we're finding around the world is that governments are grasping the concept but struggling with the mechanisms. The idea sounds good but there is a lack of knowledge on how it works."

Simon Moores, director of The Research Group, added that the delayed roll out of unmetered internet access, and outmoded cultural attitudes toward IT, will hinder the scheme. He claimed the government will only realise 60 to 70 per cent of their targets, even if the project progresses smoothly.

He said: "The challenge of creating a network economy is much greater than the government thought two years ago. Technology promises a great deal, but it is still immature. Expectations are high, but telecom and technology companies are overplaying the ability of their technology."

The survey also revealed that only 60 per cent of Labour MPs and 41 per cent of Conservative MPs believe UK online will meet its additional goal of making the UK the best place in the world for ecommerce.

For further information on the World Internet Forum, see http://www.icp.co.uk/wif/ .