HC Deb 06 July 1995 vol 263 cc312-3W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee what information he has on the savings hon. Members will make by using the Internet as opposed to mail for correspondence.

Mr. Gary Waller

Savings will accrue to the House if the Parliamentary data and video network connection to the Internet is used instead of traditional mail. However, in those cases where connection to the PDVN is via a modem, there will be an increased telephone charge.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee what training will be provided for hon. Members and their staff on the Internet.

Mr. Waller

Demonstrations by the Computer Office to Members of both Houses, their staff and staff of the two Houses in the use of the world wide web and Internet e-mail will be provided at workshop open days. In addition, leaflets will be available on the use of the Internet, and Members and other users can ask the PDVN helpdesk for assistance.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee if he will commission a study of the trends in hon. Member's work patterns and work load due to the advent of electronic mail; and what mechanisms and training are to be provided for assisting hon. Members and their researchers to deal with Internet e-mail.

Mr. Waller

It is too early to consider such a study, since trends of hon. Members'usage of the PDVN have not emerged. The Committee will consider in due course what mechanisms are appropriate for Internet e-mail and recommend appropriate guidance for users. As far as training is concerned, I refer the hon. Member to my preceding reply to him on this subject.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee for what reasons hon. Members' connection to the Internet via the PDVN has been delayed; and when he expects access to be available.

Mr. Waller

The Internet connection was completed in mid-May and early testing of the facility took place during late May and through June. General access to the service has depended on standardising PDVN equipment and on the availability of a mail conversion gateway received only at the end of June. Users of the PDVN who are interested in using the Internet are being asked to allow their machines to be converted during the summer recess and should contact the PDVN helpdesk to arrange a convenient time for the upgrade. At the same time, other new services are also being made available, including the Library's parliamentary electronic document distribution system, Novell Group Wise 4.1—the updated version of Wordperfect Office—and also remote Windows access.