§ Mr. Michael MarshallTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether the Government data network will have spare communications capacity when it first becomes operational;
(2) whether, during the planning of future expansion of the Government data network, consideration will be given to developing opportunities for use of the Network's facilities by the private sector;
(3) whether, when the Government data network becomes operational, Government Departments will still 600W be allowed to consider competing offers of services alternative to Government data network in order to meet their telecommunications needs;
(4) whether any spare capacity of the Government data network will be made available on a commercial basis to other Government Departments or with appropriate security safeguards to private concerns.
§ Mr. BrookeThe Government data network takes account of the current planned needs of the four initial users. However, because of the size of the Inland Revenue and DHSS applications, and the wide geographical spread of all four users, the network will be designed from the outset to facilitate rapid and easy growth and increased geographical coverage. Private concerns are not expected to become users of GDN.
Racal Data Networks Ltd. has to guarantee service levels and offer the GDN service at a lower cost than comparable public services. Departments will be free to compare alternatives to GDN to ensure best value for money. The GDN could be used to carry value-added services if Departments require these. The procurement of these services will normally be on a competitive basis.