§ LORD CACCIAasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are yet able to announce the future organisation of central computer functions for Government Departments.
EARL JELLICOEThe Government take the view that computing in Government requires an increasingly close association between policy, planning and execution, as recognised in the recent report from the Select Committee on Science and Technology. Many computer projects involve important Government policies as well as major questions of administration and organisation. The Government have therefore decided to draw together into a single organisation those central computer functions at present spread between the Civil Service Department (policy, planning, and operational support); the Department of Trade and Industry (the Technical Support Unit); and Her Majesty's Stationery Office (purchasing, contracts, and the Central Computer Bureau). Sponsorship of the computer industry will remain with D.T.I.
The Government welcome this opportunity of paying tribute to the work done by staff within the present organisations but are convinced that a single central organisation will be more effective. The new body, to be known as the Central Computer Agency, will be established as from April 1, 1972. It will form part of the Civil Service Department. There will, of course, be consultation with the appropriate staff interests. Central computing functions only are concerned: Departments will continue to be responsible for their own computer operations, subject to financial approval of new A.D.P. projects by the Agency.
In future, Government, as a major computer user, should be able to speak more clearly with a single central voice. The Agency itself will offer greater scope for increased professionalism and for computer careers in Government.
House adjourned at twenty minutes past eight o'clock.