§ Mr. WarrenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many computer work stations there are in his Department; what is the ratio of work stations to civil servants; and how he expects this to change over the next five years.
§ Mr. RidleyAbout 1,750 in the Department of the Environment (excluding the Property Services Agency); a ratio of one work station to three members of staff. The figure includes all terminals, microcomputers and word processors but excludes portable text processors. Work stations will continue to be provided where they can give good value for money in meeting the Department's varied needs. No five-year plans are available.
In the Property Services Agency (which at present includes the Crown Suppliers) there are some 1,600 work stations representing one for every 10 members of staff. It is anticipated that by 1993, the number of work stations will have increased to about 5,000—a ratio of about one work station to three members of staff.