Mandelson reveals IT ministers

13:06 13th October 2008

Peter Mandelson has split ministerial responsibilities for IT issues in his Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform reshuffle.

The newly-appointed business secretary who has overall responsibility for the department has given the Communications, technology and broadcasting minister, Stephen Carter, control over "electronics and IT services" and "communications and content industries".

In addition, Ian Pearson, economic and business minister, has been given responsibility for waste electrical and electronic equipment issues, which will involve compliance with the Reduction of Hazardous Substances directive.

The ministerial team will also include the employment relations and postal affairs minister, Pat McFadden, who has been placed in charge of transformational government issues, while Tom Watson remains minister for transformational government.

Mr Mandelson said: "Our economy, like every other, is facing huge challenges as a result of the global financial crisis. I will be doing all I can, along with the rest of my ministerial team, to help businesses and consumers through these testing times."

Earlier this month, the House of Lords' Science and Technology Committee criticised the government for a lack of actions in addressing online safety.