§ Sir Michael MarshallTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will outline work which is currently within his Department to ensure that all Government Departments and their agencies maximise the use of electronic data interchange.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy Department recognises the significant benefits afforded by electronic data interchange, especially where those can improve the efficiency and quality of public services. The OPSS has been actively promoting the use of electronic data interchange through the activities of CCTA, the Government Centre for Information Systems. That work encourages Departments to use EDI as a strategic business tool.
The CCTA has recently published a best practice guide called "EDI in Government: the Business Opportunities" which draws on the experience collected from the Government interest section run jointly with EDI Association. I hope my hon. Friend will endorse its contents.
82WMinisterial colleagues and I are actively considering further ways to exploit the use of EDI in order to maximise the benefits to public service.