§ LORD WINDLESHAMasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will consider a feasibility study on the proposal for a national computer system combining all cash dealings between the State and the citizen, particularly in the collection of income tax and National Insurance contributions and the payment of social benefits.
§ LORD BOWLESThe use of computers on an increasing scale is already being developed in cash dealings between the State and the citizen. But the noble Lord's proposal would present immense difficulties, both technical and organisational, and it would be premature to pursue it at this stage.