§ Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister for the Civil Service what is his policy for encouraging and co-ordinating the purchase and installation of computers and ancillary equipment, by Departments.
§ Mr. ShoreThe policy is to achieve greater efficiency and economy through
428Wservants at present in each Government Department; and what are the corresponding totals for the annual salaries paid to them.
§ Mr. ShoreThe following table sets out the numbers of non-industrial and industrial staff in post on 1st October. 1969. Totals for annual salaries and wages are on the basis of the provision in the 1969–70 Estimates.
the extensive application of the latest computer techniques in support of the work of Government. Responsibility for promoting this polcy rests with the Civil Service Department, which undertakes the central planning of data processing in Government, advises on advanced systems and co-ordinates the activities of other Departments. It works in conjunction 429W with Her Majesty's Stationery Office, which purchases all the computers and ancillary equipment used by Departments for administrative, scientific and technical purposes.