§ Mr. AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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.
138Wbed-and-breakfast payments are being made; and whether they are single, single with children, a couple or a couple with children for each year since 1979.
§ Mr. Grist[holding answer 13 March 1989]: The available information is set out in the following tables:
Households accommodated in bed and breakfast accommodation1 Numbers 1979 22 1980 67 1981 63 1982 21 1983 17 1984 31 1985 20 1986 35 1987 45 1 On 31 December, under Part III of the Housing Act 1985. Source: Welsh Office.
§ Mr. Ian StewartAll Northern Ireland Departments have prepared, and are implementing, information technology strategies geared to their individual business objectives with the aim of increasing efficiency and effectiveness while ensuring value for money in the purchases of systems. The Northern Ireland Office is in the process of preparing its own strategy. Each strategy includes provision for improving internal communications through the use of voice and data transmission facilities, office automation and management information systems. Fax and telex facilities are also available in Departments and local offices dealing with matters such as social security. In particular, the Northern Ireland Office has recently introduced a secure inter-communicating word processing system and a secure video conferencing system linking its Belfast and London offices. A telecommunications strategy has also been drawn up, and plans are being prepared to provide a modern, fully integrated, digital network.
The departmental information technology strategies address the provision of information to the public where this is appropriate and a number of computer systems providing this facility are operational in areas such as social security benefits, economic development and agriculture. In addition a free telephone service, freeline DHSS, is provided to anyone in Northern Ireland linking inquirers directly to a centre where full-time staff provide information and advice on all social security benefits and related services.
Departmental information technology strategies are continually reviewed to ensure that they match administrative and policy objectives. Departments also endeavour to keep abreast of the latest developments in technology and seek to apply these where they fit into their strategies.