The Department of Trade and Industry has launched an inquiry into the environmental and social impact of e-commerce. Speaking at a Fabian Society Conference, Environmental Modernisation - A New Agenda for Government and Business on Tuesday, e-commerce minister Patricia Hewitt said, "E-commerce has the potential to reduce the resource intensity of many products and services, but it is important that we assess the benefits and problems in a systematic and balanced way."

The year-long inquiry, called 'Digital Futures' will examine the potential impact of e-commerce over the next ten years on the environment, energy use, transport, planning, and social exclusion. It is backed by three government agencies, eight think tanks and ten companies including BP Amoco, BT , Nationwide Building Society and Sun Microsystems. The project is being overseen by Forum for the Future.

Richard Byatt