ELSPA welcomes Committee inquiry

Paul Jackson, director general of the UK publisher body ELSPA, has responded to yesterday's announcement that the Culture, Media and Sport Committee was launching an investigation into the possible risk to children of "harmful material on the internet and in videogames."

Jackson welcomed the inquiry, and stated that the organisation hoped to submit evidence to the proceedings. In a statement he said, "We welcome the announcement of the DCMS Select Committee to hold an enquiry into 'potential risks from harmful material on the Internet and in video games'.

"Technology is changing, it is important that all stakeholders understand potential risk and ensure that games which are designed for adults do not get into the hands of children either on or off line.

"Our members take their responsibility in this area very seriously. For this reason we were delighted to offer our evidence to the Byron Review and similarly are happy to extend our enthusiasm to this enquiry. We look forward to submitting our evidence in due course."

This latest investigation will be separate from the aforementioned Byron Report, which has recently closed its call for evidence, with results expected early in 2008.