HC Deb 17 December 1997 vol 303 c235W
23. Mrs. Ann Campbell

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on his plans to promote public services via electronic networks. [19626]

Dr. David Clark

The Government intend to publish next year a White Paper on "Better Government", which will set out the way in which access to government services will be transformed using modern technology.

On 9 December I formally launched direct.link, an electronic forum which aims to bring together public sector organisations and voluntary agencies which are actively engaged in projects to provide electronic services to the citizen.

Direct.link is managed by the Central IT Unit (CITU) and it will conduct most of its business electronically, using discussion groups and e-mail. Direct.link will enable members to exchange ideas, share experiences and investigate topics of common interest.