§ Mr. AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement of progress on the introduction of information technologies to facilitate internal communications in his Department and the provision of information to the public concerning those areas for which he is responsible; and if he has any further plans to apply the newest technologies in these fields.
§ Mr. RifkindThe Scottish Office has made steady progress with its strategy of exploiting information technologies to improve its efficiency by developing systems which support the management and policy priorities which are identified in departmental and divisional management plans.
Communications have been improved by the introduction of an office automation system providing word processing and electronic mail facilities linking the offices of Ministers and senior officials in Edinburgh, London and Glasgow, and by the installation of a digital telephone system covering the main Scottish Office buildings in Edinburgh and linked to the Government telephone network.
Computer systems have been developed to support financial and personnel management and the diverse needs of the office. Some 500 microcomputers are in use together with 600 visual display units linked to the mainframe computer in Edinburgh. A number of these visual display units enable officers who are in direct contact with the public to provide an improved service.
The Scottish Office strategy for information technology is endorsed by its top management and subject to refinement, monitoring and review by the standing 406W committee on information technology services. That committee considers plans and proposals for further projects as necessary.