§ 23. Mr. Martenasked the Minister of Technology if the Technical Advisory Unit will make recommendations on the desired level of computer utilisation when considering applications from Government Departments.
§ Mr. CousinsThe Technical Support Unit of the Computer Advisory Service will make objective technical appraisals of applications for computers by Government Departments. My Department will also be ready to give any other general advice on computer proposals. The final decisions on the extent of use of computers must, how- 210 ever, rest with the individual user Departments in consultation as necessary with the Treasury.
§ Mr. MartenCan the Minister confirm that computers in Government service are allowed to work only two shifts out of a possible three? What is the reason for this under-utilisation of a valuable investment?
§ Mr. CousinsThere is an agreement with the National Staff Side negotiating committee governing the time when these computers are used.
§ Mr. TilneyWill the Unit look at semi-Government organisations controlled by the Treasury, such as the Trustee Savings Banks?
§ Mr. CousinsThe Unit will look at anything that it is asked to look at, provided there is an understanding that it is a Government unit.
§ Mr. MarplesMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman two questions? First, does he agree that the effectiveness of a computer depends upon its being employed as far as possible for 24 hours a day, with the exception of a small time for maintenance, and that to under-employ computers is criminal if we are seeking to modernise the country? Secondly, is it obligatory that all Government Departments should seek the Minister's advice before ordering equipment, and are British computer firms given a chance to tender for Government orders?
§ Mr. CousinsIt is, of course, desirable that computers should be used to the maximum, but whether their use is required for 24 hours a day is a matter which is determined in the light of the experience of the Department which is using them. There are many computers in British industry where efficiency is the keynote which are not used 24 hours a day. In reply to the second question, yes, it is obligatory for Government Departments to seek advice from the Technical Advisory Unit.
§ Mr. MarplesMay I press the Minister to say——
§ Mr. William Hamilton.On a point of order. Is it not a fact, Mr. Speaker, that in view of the Report issued yesterday which deals with Parliamentary 211 Questions, this is a gross abuse of Question Time by the right hon. Member for Wallasey (Mr. Marples)?
§ Mr. SpeakerNo point of order arises. The calling of hon. Members to ask supplementary questions is solely a matter for the discretion of the Chair.
§ Mr. HefferOn a point of order. Has it not been understood, Mr. Speaker, on the basis of the Report which has been issued, that it is not a question of stifling discussion but that all Front Bench speakers, from either side of the House, should take into consideration in asking supplementary questions the need to be brief and to intervene as little as possible?
§ Mr. SpeakerOne of the most important things is that we should not have points of order which are not points of order. I have nothing to add to my reply already given.
§ Mr. MarplesMay I ask the Minister, whether, in his opinion, it is better to use a computer for all the hours that it is serviceable than to close it down because of a whim on the part of the staff or the management?
§ Mr. CousinsIf the right hon. Gentleman wishes to put down Questions, I am fairly sure that we shall be prepared to answer them at any time. The closing down of the use of these computers to which I assume the right hon. Gentleman is referring is done not by a whim but by agreement between the two sides.