§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the use of smart card technology in her Department and the areas which it is used in; and what discussions she has had with private companies about the use of smart card technology within her Department. [50476]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 16 April 2002]: My Department does not currently make any use of smart card technology.
Smart cards are used in a number of the areas for which my Department has responsibility as membership cards and payment cards among other things. My Department has also been involved in the establishment of the Connexions Card, a DIES initiative, which provides a range of services for 16 to 19-year-olds in England.
Any plans which my Department may develop in the future will obviously take account of the smart card framework developed by the Office of the e-Envoy.
I have not had any discussions with private companies about the use of smart card technology within my Department.