§ 67. Mr. Butcherasked the Minister for the Civil Service what savings in Civil Service expenditure he has identified from changes in computer maintenance.
§ Mr. ChannonArrangements have been made with International Computers Limited to maintain certain computers in use beyond the life originally planned for them. An estimated saving of some £40 million up to 1985 is expected from this life extension programme.
§ Mr. ButcherMay I congratulate my hon. Friend on making such savings in his Department? Does he agree that there is further scope for the use of computers in Government Departments generally, in view of the ever-increasing complexity of Government business and the reductions in the cost of computer hardware?
§ Mr. ChannonI entirely agree with my hon. Friend. I shall pursue this matter as vigorously as possible. I am grateful for his question.