§ Lord Balnielasked the Minister of Health how many civil servants in his Department will be attached to management courses in automatic data processing techniques during the current year; and how many will attend such courses next year.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonAbout 150 in 1965. Some of these will have attended more than one course. Figures for 1966 are not yet available, but the number is expected to be about the same.
§ Lord Balnielasked the Minister of Health whether he will make a statement about the number of persons working in the National Health Service who are qualified in the management and operation of automatic data processing equipment.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonTwenty-five are qualified in the management of computers and twelve in their operation. More are being trained to manage and operate computers which are on order.
§ Lord Balnielasked the Minister of Health what feasibility studies he has initiated into the possibility of utilising automatic data processing equipment in the National Health Service.
227W
§ Mr. K. RobinsonFeasibility studies are in progress into the further use of automatic data processing equipment in the work of the hospital service, the Dental Esitmates Board and the Ministry's Health Service Superannuation and Statistics Divisions. Earlier studies have already resulted in the installation of computers and in orders for more. Further studies will be undertaken as necessary.
§ Lord Balnielasked the Minister of Health what orders have been placed for the purchase of automatic data processing equipment for the National Health Service; what is the cost of each computer; for what purpose it will be used; and where it will be installed.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThree computers are on order within a price range between £75,000 and £130,000, and will be installed at Cockfosters, Liverpool and Cardiff. Six are already installed and other orders are contemplated. The equipment is used mainly for accounting and statistical work, but use for other purposes is being encouraged.