§ 22. Sir I. Fraserasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what use is made of electronic computers and similar devices to economise in the use of manpower in the public service.
§ Mr. SimonConsideration is given to the use of computers and similar equipment in the Civil Service wherever economies of money and staff would thereby be achieved. At present four Government offices have been equipped with computers and orders have been placed for equipment for a further four. Studies of the possible use of computers in five more offices have almost been completed.
§ Sir I. FraserAre not the Government Departments a little behindhand in using these modern devices?
§ Mr. SimonNo, Sir. I think that the record of Government Departments in this respect compares quite reasonably with that of private industry.