Thomas Heilmann, a Berliner, is the founder of several new media companies, and was appointed internet spokesman for Germany's Christian Democratic Union party in May 2000. "I co-chair a small committee of representatives from industry, technology and the media," he says. "Our aim is to investigate economic policy questions connected with the internet - the kinds of jobs that can be created through the new economy, for example. We will produce a report to provide the CDU with a substantive political programme that takes into account the changes the internet is making in our lives," he explains. Mr Heilmann hopes the committee "will not just meet behind closed doors, but also stimulate political discussion".

Unsurprisingly, Mr Heilmann is an internet aficionado. "E-mail is an important means of communication for me. I receive up to 100 per day and can thus be reached at all times in spite of my busy appointments schedule."

home.snafu.de/pewtah/suchmaschinen Let's start with an insider's tip: Martin Stehle, who works for Aperto Multimedia (renamed Cell Network Deutschland), has compiled what is probably the best existing collection of search engines. It contains 1,300 search engines, sorted by category, to make surfing really efficient.

www.yousmile.de Give your friends or yourself a surprise gift over the internet. You can now compile present lists (for weddings, etc) online - no need to specify a particular store. This makes for more choice, more gifts and greater convenience.

www.mytoys.de The instant child-pleaser, and winner of countless website awards. Cheap, quick and there's a huge selection. My special tip: NY Chase from Ravensburger.

www.misslucky.de Need some financing for all that online shopping you've been doing? You can become a millionaire without risk through this free daily lottery. Courtesy of Miss Lucky. Fingers crossed...

www.travelchannel.de Are you still with me? If you're looking for a reliable and low-priced travel agency, then this is it.

www.consors.de If you didn't strike it lucky on the lottery, then why not try the stock exchange? Technology stocks are particularly good value at the moment. Vicinity, for example, has more cash in the company than market capitalisation. (All tips without liability!). Consors has the best technology and superior prices.

www.propertygate.de Looking to buy a house in a hurry? Forget the property pages in the newspaper. With Propertygate you will find what you're looking for more quickly and efficiently.

www.redherring.com Still the best address for venture capital news. Managers of good venture funds usually know about the latest developments before the stock exchange because they are more tuned in to the business world. For those who want to find out more, subscribe to funds or simply read Red Herring.

www.getgo.de Buy tickets to shows from the comfort of your armchair - quickly, and at the same price as advance ticket sales [some sites charge a booking fee]. They make great gifts.

www.weather.com Before you set off on a trip, you might like to check the weather. With its sensational satellite pictures this site lets you know whether you've made the right choice of destination before it's too late.

www.weckruf.de If you've been surfing long hours and need to get up for an appointment in the morning, log on to weckruf.de for a free wake-up call.