§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what use she plans to make of the Internet to make Government more open. [5100]
§ Mr. FieldThe Government is looking at ways to be responsive and accessible through electronic communication. The Department already has a presence on the Internet World Wide Web with information about 205W Social Security and the work of the Department and its Executive Agencies. We see the Internet as an important tool in our plans to modernise the Social Security system, and in helping us to provide more and better quality information to the public. In developing its use we will have regard to the needs of all our customers (many of whom may not have ready access) and to data protection and other issues.