§ Lord Lucasasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the recent report to the effect that the status of the e-Envoy is to be downgraded is correct. [HL2884]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonThe report is incorrect.
132WAAt the end of last year we announced our intention to appoint a head of e-government. This is a positive evolution of the original e-Envoy role. It reflects the importance we place on ensuring that the Government capitalise on the potential of information and communication technology to transform service delivery and achieve a step change in operational efficiency across the public sector.
The new head of e-government will operate at the highest level within government reporting to the Cabinet Secretary, Sir Andrew Turnbull and the Minister for the Cabinet Office. The full responsibilities of the post were set out in a press notice of 15 December 2003 which can be found at http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/news/2003/ 031215_headofegovt.asp. Copies are available in the Library.
I will also place in the Library a copy of a speech made by Andrew Pinder, e-Envoy, on Thursday 20 May to the City Informatisation for the Asia. Pacific Region Forum (CIAPR) in Shanghai, which sets out some of the achievements of the Office of the e-Envoy and future challenges moving forward.