§ Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what improvements in his Department's data processing and information technology facilities are anticipated during the next six months.
§ Mr. PortilloDevelopment work will continue on the operational strategy for social security, a range of major computerisation projects which will improve service to the public, allow greater efficiency in the payment of benefits and provide better jobs for staff. Among the milestones which it is planned to reach in the next six months are provision of an on-line inquiry service for retirement628W pensions, completion of the installation of the terminal replacement inquiry system (TRES) in unemployment benefit offices and the development of microcomputer-based systems to support the processing of claims for income support and family credit.