§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Minister for the Civil Service whether the cost effectiveness of new technology application in Government offices has yet been evaluated both as regards authors and typists; and whether she will publish details of such valuations.
§ Mr. HayhoeAs I indicated in my reply of 26 February to my hon. Friend the Member for Epsom and Ewell (Mr. Hamilton)—[Vol. 996, c.414–5]—we have tested the effects of stand-alone word processors for typing. The report was published in February 1981 and a copy placed in the Library. A report of trials of a shared-logic word processor was published in 1978. Other trials are now under way and planned and any reports will be published.
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§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Minister for the Civil Service how many microcomputers and word processors have been introduced into Government offices since May 1979; and if she will list the Departments which are using such equipment.
§ Mr. HayhoeThere are some 500 microcomputers and 350 word processors used in Government offices, most of which have been purchased since May 1979. Full details of their location are not available but they are spread through all the major and many of the smaller Government Departments.
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Minister for the Civil Service if she has sought the views of the main Civil Service trades unions on the increased use of new technology in Government offices.
§ Mr. HayhoeDiscussions with the Civil Service trade unions on a new technology agreement have been in progress for some time but have not yet been concluded. However, an agreement has very recently been reached with the CPSA on stand-alone word processors for typing and will shortly be promulgated.