HC Deb 17 December 1997 vol 303 c317
6. Mr. Rooney

What pilot projects are currently under way to develop the technology used in delivering Government services. [19606]

Dr. David Clark

There are currently five such pilot projects. Those are the intelligent form project, a joint working programme on touch-screen kiosks, a service electronically delivering geographical data, a rural sub-post office touch-screen kiosk, and an electronic delivery of land and property information in Stirlingshire.

Mr. Rooney

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. He will know that I am a technological imbecile, and that many customers of the Government do not have the skills to deal with such technology. What efforts have been made to make it user-friendly?

Dr. Clark

It is important that we ensure that the technology that we are using is simple, straightforward and varied. That is why we are encouraging pilot schemes throughout the country at both central and local level. When we talk about technology, that includes forms of technology that even my hon. Friend can use to great effect, such as the telephone and the television. Digital television will be introduced next year, and the possibility of interaction through television screens by the use of a console means that many people will find new technology well within their grasp.