HC Deb 13 March 2002 vol 381 cc877-8
7. Lawrie Quinn (Scarborough and Whitby)

If he will make a statement on progress towards his target for making electronic communications from the public to all Government Departments feasible. [40123]

The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Mrs. Barbara Roche)

All Departments can be contacted via e-mail. The Government are committed to providing those services that can be delivered electronically by 2005. The latest figures show that more than 50 per cent. of Government services are now available online, with 74 per cent. predicted by the end of this year.

Lawrie Quinn

Has the Minister had a chance to study last night's Adjournment debate in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, North (Mr. Allen)? Can she confirm that the so-called digital divide will not be used as an argument by the civil service or the Government to prevent targets being met or improved upon so that the public can have access to e-government?

Mrs. Roche

I am aware of the debate that took place last night and can give my hon. Friend the reassurance that he needs. It is right for us to ensure that we can deliver more services online, and it is also right to try to ensure that people who are currently without internet access receive those services. That is why—to give one example—the Department of Trade and Industry and the Post Office have just completed a six-month pilot of public information kiosks in post offices.

Mr. Simon Thomas (Ceredigion)

Seventy-four per cent. is an encouraging figure, but will the hon. Lady look at how many online Government services are accessible to people who do not have Windows? An increasing number of services are accessible only if one has Windows, so that rules out people who use Apple, Unix or other software. Will she ensure that the Government's choice of software is dictated by the need for maximum access rather than by relationships with software companies?

Mrs. Roche

As a former DTI Minister, I understand the hon. Gentleman's point and will ensure that it is brought to the attention of the relevant officials in the Department.

Michael Fabricant (Lichfield)

Does the Minister agree that there should be two-way communication? There should be ways for the Government daily to describe their policy to the electorate. For example, they could explain why, today, there will be no statements on Zimbabwe, on the police dispute or on the fact that the channel tunnel is closed. All we shall have is a worthy—although no doubt important—statement on audits and accountability.

Mrs. Roche

That was a valiant try—the hon. Gentleman is ingenious in his methods. When the Government have something to communicate to the House on all those matters, I am sure that he will be the first to know.