§ Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what use is being made of computer modelling and expert systems techniques to identify the precise workings of aid, benefit, grant and subsidy schemes within his responsibility.
§ Mr. WhitneyComputer modelling is used by several areas of the Department including statisticians, economic advisers and the operational research service.
The use of "expert system" is not yet so widespread. The Department is involved, however, with the Government sponsored Alvey programme to develop a demonstrator system for benefit assessment. This programme includes participants from the computer industry as well as several universities.