§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what action has been taken to progress MINIS arising from the report of spring 1995; and if he will make a statement. [39613]
§ Mr. HoramThe multi-departmental scrutiny of Government's management information and planning systems produced its report in May 1995. The report noted many examples of good practice in both the public6W and private sectors. Its recommendations provided a checklist of best practice for Departments and agencies to use in developing integrated systems to suit their particular needs.
The report has been widely welcomed. Departments and agencies have now produced action plans in response to the scrutiny. These plans are being considered by the Prime Minister's adviser on efficiency. Departments and agencies are already taking steps to ensure that their information and planning systems are up to the level of the best, so aiding the Government's continuing quest for greater efficiency.
§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to install an electronic/computer diary giving details of media events organised by other Government Departments; what estimate he has made of the cost of obtaining, installing and operating such a diary; and if he will make a statement. [39648]
The Deputy Prime MinisterA dedicated IT-based network linking the offices of Cabinet Ministers will start to become operational next month. Work began on the network in early 1995. By cutting down on paper-based management systems and bringing up-to-date information to all Ministers' offices more quickly, it will improve efficiency and effectiveness both in individual Departments and in the dispatch of collective ministerial business. The forward diary of policy announcements will be only one of the uses to which the new infrastructure is put. The total start-up cost, including hardware and software development, is likely to be in the order of £150,000. Annual running costs are likely to be about £10,000.