§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will ensure that the Northern Ireland Office's web site on the Internet has adequate links to and from the web site of the Central Office of Information; and if she will make a statement. [11005]
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Mr. MurphyMy Department is fully committed to using the potential of the Internet as an international communications medium and as an aid to open government. The NIO web site has more than 400 pages of information, regularly updated, on all political developments, security, crime, policing and community relations in Northern Ireland and including all press releases issued. In the period January to July 1997, visits to the site have increased from 1,187 to 25,353 per month.
A re-design now nearing completion will enhance content, visual appeal, user friendliness and links to and from other sites both within and outside Government, including the CCTA open government site and through it the Central Office of Information.