§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What their policy is regarding overseas visits by staff of regional health authorities to study computer systems, and what mechanisms there are to ensure that the computer policies of the regional health authorities are properly co-ordinated.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Lord Glenarthur)It is for the National Health Service authorities concerned to decide whether overseas visits to study computer systems are justified in particular circumstances, bearing in mind the costs and benefits involved. Co-ordination of the computer policies of regional health authorities is currently secured through the work of the National Health Service Computer Policy Committee, the production and central scrutiny of regional computer plans and joint action by the relevant technical officers.