The government will attempt to usher the new digital economy bill through parliament before the general election, after it was announced in the Queen's Speech.

Measures to introduce a broadband tax are not included in the legislative proposal – with this to be saved for a new finance bill – but other issues are likely to stir debate.

The digital economy bill would place new responsibilities on internet service providers to crackdown on illegal filesharing and also force games manufacturers to introduce a tough new classification system.

Broadband would be made available to all British premises by 2012, analogue radio would be switched off by 2015, and Channel 4's remit would be reviewed should the bill become law.

Earlier this week, Treasury Secretary Stephen Timms - the Minister for Digital Britain - told a conference in Leeds that he hoped the proposed 50p-a-month broadband tax would be in place before the country goes to the polls.

However, this plan is likely to face stiff opposition from the Conservative Party.

The next general election will take place in the UK on or before June 3rd 2010.