HC Deb 09 March 1995 vol 256 cc282-3W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee what factors are contributing to the delay in connecting hon. Members to the Internet.

Mr. Waller

The Information Committee considered the proposed experimental connection to Internet on 16 and 30 January. Before the system is operational, it is necessary to finalise and award the contract, arrange certain security measures and install a dedicated link.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee what assessment the Committee has made of whether it would be technically feasible to identify electronic mail sent by hon. Members from the parliamentary data and video network via the Internet to domestic addresses and those sent to the international addresses.

Mr. Waller

While it would be technically feasible to monitor Members' Internet e-mails, there are no plans to do so. It is a long-standing tradition of the House that hon. Members' parliamentary communications are not monitored by the House authorities. Since there are no charges for Internet e-mail, there would be no bar to Members receiving and sending either domestic or international e-mail messages.