§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Employment what investment has been made by the Manpower Services Commission in new technology to improve the administrative efficiency of the commission for each of the years 1981–82 to 1984–85, broken down by Selkirk house, Moorfoot, Sheffield, Manpower Services Commission regional offices, Manpower Services Commission area offices, the Manpower Services Commission large companies unit and each operating division of the commission; and if he will make a statement on the future investment plans for the commission in new technology.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonCapital investment in new technology in the MSC for the financial years 1981–82 to 1984–85 is as follows.
For each of the financial years concerned 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84 and finally 1984–85 the figures are as follows:
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£ Employment Division 1981–82 1,337,839 1982–83 1,533,112 1983–84 2,106,500 1984–85 1,794,000 Training Division 1981–82 432,273 1982–83 3,999,949 1983–84 770,579 1984–85 528,000 Skillcentre Training Agency 1981–82 — 1982–83 —
£ 1983–84 — 1984–85 179,000 PER 1981–82 4,699 1982–83 2,726 1983–84 29,202 1984–85 28,000 Commission and Essential Services 1981–82 317,728 1982–83 274,691 1983–84 2,752,777 1984–85 1,703,000 Total 1981–82 2,092,539 1982–83 5,810,478 1983–84 5,659,058 1984–85 4,232,000 The figures include expenditure on computers, telecommunications equipment and office machinery for 1981–82 to 1983–84 as published. The figures for 1984–85 are forecast expenditure in respect of the new skillcentre training agency is included within the overall training division totals for 1981–82 to 1983–84. It has not proved possible to break the expenditure down below operating divisions but an indication of equipment provided is as follows:
Selkirk House: Word processors and micro-computers.Moorfoot (Sheffield): Word processors, various micro-computers, on-line national vacancy system (NATVACS), many computer systems relating to payment of allowances and operation of programmes (TOPS mini and Spectrum).MSC Regional Offices: Many computer systems relating to payment of allowances, operation of programmes, and circulation of vacancy information; various micro-computers.MSC Area Offices: Many computer systems relating to payment of allowances and operation of programmes; various micro-computers.MSC Large Companies Unit: Not yet operating a computer system but research is currently being conducted into implementing a suitable system in late 1985–86.In addition, an electronic mail system links Selkirk house, Moorfoot and all regional and area offices. Future investment plans for the commission in new technology are currently being considered within the financial planning cycle.