A Conservative MP has urged the government to use tax incentives to encourage the spread of broadband internet services across Britain.

Launching a 10 minute rule bill in the Commons on Wednesday, Ian Liddell-Grainger urged the prime minister to take up the idea.

He said that communications companies often lacked the incentive to risk their capital by investing in better links when take-up of services was often low.

The proposed legislation would offer a tax break for installers of broadband infrastructure. 

This could encourage companies such as BT to upgrade from "ADSL" broadband to the much faster fibre optic technology.

"Fibre optics are the answer, and will eventually come," Liddell-Grainger told MPs.

"My bill would simply hasten the process by giving the installers a decent incentive to risk their capital."

He added that it was "a judicious tax break...to bring Britain bang up to date in communications".

While the MP, who represents the Bridgwater constituency, said his plans were "supported by members from all sides of the political spectrum", they have little chance of making it on to the statute book.