§ Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what stage has been reached in the consideration of responses to the issued service requirement for the proposed Government data network; and when the final decision for the award of any contract can be expected.
§ Mr. BrookeFollowing the evaluation of suppliers' responses, a short list was announced on 25 March 1987. Further discussions and demonstrations are in progress. It is hoped to complete the tendering stage and award a contract by the end of 1987.
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§ Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made as to how far the type of network envisaged by the Central Computer and Telecommunication Agency's Government data network service requirement could potentially be used to eliminate the duplication of data processing, either by allowing the controlled transfer of data between Departments or by facilitating shared access to suitable data; and whether the Government data network will eventually be used in such a way as to realise its potential in this respect.
§ Mr. BrookeThe proposed Government data network service is being created primarily to facilitate the transmission of data between sites within Departments. Initially, four Departments are expected to take advantage of the service. Economies of scale are expected because the Government data network will obviate duplication of communication facilities which would arise if each of the departments installed and managed separate networks.
Where interdepartmental exchanges or access to data are planned the use of the GDN will not alter the requirement for the originating Department owning the data to authorise such a transfer.