The All Party Parliamentary Internet Group (APIG) is to hold a public inquiry into how to combat the ever-growing spam.

The inquiry will see if legislation can be drawn up to beat the spammers. It will also examine whether technology can be used to hit reduce the amount of spam clogging up the Net.

"Ultimately we will need a new global level organisation to 'hold' issues about the Internet and APIG's evidence sessions will be an opportunity to explore this area as well as look for more immediate inter-government action and technical solutions."

Richard Allan MP, Joint-Treasurer of APIG, added: "Dealing with spam is a key issue in helping to make the Internet usable for people in the UK. It is essential that we find solutions that the industry can employ to ensure that email use is not severely affected by the continued growth in spam levels."

APIG is calling for written evidence to be supplied to the inquiry at inquiry@apig.org.uk before June 25. Public hearings will be held in the House of Commons on July 3 and 10, when MPs will gather oral evidence from industry, Government and the public.

The inquiry's report is expected to be published in the autumn.

Ahead of the public enquiry APIG is hosting a "Spam Summit" in Westminster on July 1. For further details check out APIG's Web site here. ®