Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Monday, 12 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 December 2005. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 December 2005 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

EU Domain

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to ensure British businesses have equal access to the new.eu domain name.

Answer: All organisations with an address in the EU can register a domain name under the new.eu top-level domain. Registrations are made on a first come, first served basis, usual practice for domain name registries. There is a dispute resolution procedure in place.Under the current ““sunrise period””, which opened on 7 December, organisations can apply for domain names where they can claim some rights (for example, a registered trade mark).The registry responsible for operating the .eu top-level domain (EURID) and the European Commission have ensured reasonable awareness of the introduction of .eu internet addresses. Registrars—the organisations selling domain names have also advertised availability.The domain name market is highly competitive, and it would be inappropriate for the UK Government to promote a particular top-level domain.It is for organisations and individuals themselves to decide whether to apply for a .eu domain name.

Secondary information