IT minister must be focused, Blair warned

The Prime Minister has been warned that he must appoint an IT minister who will focus entirely on technology - and not one that will also have to oversee issues including energy and postal services.

As the Prime Minister prepares to name his Cabinet following last night's Labour election victory, tech industry body Intellect warns that the "economic clock is ticking".

Intellect director general John Higgins said: "It is no longer appropriate to have a minister responsible for energy, ecommerce and postal services."

Higgins added: "We need a minister with a clear singular remit for driving the knowledge economy forward, responsible for the key levers: innovation, skills, infrastructure and the creation of an enabling policy environment."

Before the election Mike O'Brien as minister for energy and ecommerce was responsible for energy, sustainable development and the communications and information industries.

Intellect said that without decisive action from the Prime Minister the UK "will be handicapped in its progress towards a knowledge economy".

Without a clear vision, Higgins said, well-intentioned policies such as the recently launched Digital Strategy, will become isolated and fragmented "and ultimately fail to deliver".

He added: "Without cross-government understanding and commitment the UK will fail to keep-pace with its international competitors. We urge the Prime Minister to keep the knowledge economy in the forefront of his mind over the coming days as he chooses his Cabinet, and to prioritise the appointment of a knowledge economy minister as the first key step in ensuring that the UK continues to compete effectively in the 21st century."