§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what projections of anticipated staff savings from general implementation were made prior to the trial programme of microcomputers in local offices; what subsequent assessment was made of likely savings in staff from general implementation in the light of experience of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the implications of the outcome of the trial programme for other computerisation projects in his Department.
§ Mr. WhitneyAn original estimate of savings of 600 posts was made regarding the microcomputerisation of supplementary benefit assessment work. The trial programme carried out in 1984, which related to a broader range of work, suggested savings in the range 1,650 to 2,000 posts approximately. This estimate will be refined as the project is implemented.
Experience of the trial programme for the local office microcomputer programme has reinforced our view that there are substantial benefits to be gained from the trial implementation in a small number of offices of major projects affecting the work of local offices.