Page 13 - link magazine

LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER 13

We're all being caught up in The Web
WILLIAMS V
Earlier this year, I was made a junior minister at the Department of Trade and Industry and one of
the most exciting parts of the job is my responsibility for the Internet, writes Michael Wills MP for & VIDEO
North Swindon.
Specialists in repairs
It took thirty eight place with the rolling I believe that the Net offers each of TVs, videos,
years before 50 million out of broadband tech- of us wonderful opportunities. But satelite, microwaves,
people were listening to nologies. And we are only if we are prepared to reach
radio in the United creating the support for out and seize them. My job is to audio equipment &
States. By contrast 100 small firms to take up ensure that Government plays its in car hi-fi's.
million people were us- e-commerce with a net- part in preparing Britain to lead
ing the Internet world- work of 100 Local Sup- the world in developing the full Free estimates
wide within four years. port Centres. potential of these exciting new
1COUNTY ROAD, SWINDON
Daily 80,000 go on It is not just busi- technologies.
0
line. Traffic doubles nesses that will benefit Michael Wills can be contacted Tel: 01793 423371
every 100 days. The glo- from the spread of the at [email protected] or on
bal market for e-com- Internet. So too will Swindon 488088. Mobile 0976 752073
merce, doing business individuals. Surfing See also www.swindonlink.com
over the Internet, negligible in the Net provides everyone with
1990, is predicted to reach over a access to information they have
trillion dollars by 2003. never had before. Whether re- accommodation... beNefits...
Information and communication searching your family tree or find- e61ucatioN... family.., health...
technologies are driving extraor- ing the best price to buy CDs, or
dinary changes in the way we all searching for the best medical opin- justice... money... sport...
live and work - and at unprec- ion in the world on a particular
edented speed. complaint - everyone can benefit. leisure... traiNiNg...
Fifteen years ago, it took around But it is because these new tech-
7 years for a car to get from the nologies are so powerful and em- AND ALL THE BITS IN BETWEEN To ZED
drawing board into the showroom. powering that we must be espe-
The Ford Puma took 18 months. A cially careful to ensure that every-
banking transaction which costs one can share in the benefits and Computer database available to search for answers
£1 in a traditional branch costs 1p that progress does not mean we locally and nationally, plus internet access @
over the Internet. In this world create a new source of inequality
flexibility, adaptability and crea- in our society - opening up a gulf The Youth Unit, Link Centre
tivity are prized as never before. between the information-rich and Drop in or make an appointment or
They are the key to an effective the information-poor. swmoon
response to the speed and extent This is why we want every child call Jo Marchment on 465466 for details
of change, embracing and surfing in the country to have access to the
it, instead of being drowned by it. Internet through their school by
Those companies and countries 2002. This is why we have set up a
that can encourage and sustain network of more than 3,000 'IT for Eclipse Watch Party
these qualities will succeed. All' access centres.
The Government has set itself
the goal of making Britain the best SCIENCE Wednesday I I th August
place in the world to do business MUSEUM
electronically by 2002. The physi- I Oam - 12 noon
cal infrastructure is being put in

Have a
Star Wars Ptza
Huit
experience at
Pizza Hut and
www.swindonlink.com

Official Star Wars pizza provider,
Pizza Hut, are offering visitors to
the swindonlink.com web site the
chance to win a special Star Wars
prize. Infants from Brook Field School were
caught up in Star Wars fever when
Visit www.swindonlink.com and you Join the Science Museum's staff at Wroughton Airfield
they Pizza Hut at Shaw Ridge
could win a large Italian pizza, garlic in activities, workshops and explanations
Leisure Park to creat e their own out of
bread, pepsi and a Star Wars: to make the most of this once in a lifetime event.
this world pizzas. DarthMaul'sfriend
Episode I CD-Rom* worth £ 10.99.
Pizza Hut supervisor Eve Birch, rear An all-weather opportunity to watch. Wroughton will see
Pizza Hut, Shaw Ridge Leisure Park right, with from left, Alistair Walker, over 95% of the eclipse. The Science Museum's aviation
have ten to give away over the Anjali Patel, Phoebe Osborne, Callum display hangers will also be open. Maximum eclipse II . 17am
next few weeks. ( *w hile stocks last) Tremblin
Adults £3, concessions £ 1, children FREE
`
SitK^(7YT fGCY ^ YlG GCdd Y f The Science Museum Wroughton is situated 15 minutes from Swindon town centre,
off M4 junction 16 - follow the signs to Wroughton and Science Museum.
For a copy of our events leaflet, call 01793 814466 or write to the Science Museum Wroughton ,
www.swindnIink.com Wroughton Airfield, Swindon SN4 9NS