HC Deb 05 December 1979 vol 975 c215W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he is satisfied that the quantitative and qualitative limitations on the use of the Treasury model by hon. Members are not excessive; and whether he proposes to make any improvements in these respects;

(2) whether he will designate a suitably qualified official of the Treasury to provide on request technical help to hon. Members wishing to make effective use of the Treasury model under the existing arrangements.

Mr. Lawson

Effective use of the Treasury model requires computing and other services. These are provided to hon. Members by arrangement between the House of Commons Library and a commercial organisation. The scale of expenditure involved is a matter for hon. Members. The Treasury provides technical help to the private organisations that supply the model to the House of Commons and to the public. The Treasury does not have the resources to provide direct assistance to individual users.