§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what use he plans to make of the Internet to make Government more open. [5102]
§ Ms JowellThe Department continues to update and expand its web site. The site already includes extensive information about the Department's work and publications as well as a wide range of guidance for business on regulation. Some key publications, such as the NHS Performance Guide, the Chief Medical Officer's quarterly updates, and "The Health of the Nation" briefing pack, appear in full.
Development of the site is driven by the need of government to be more accessible and accountable, taking account of feedback from its users and of the principles set out in the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Additions planned for coming months include the full text of departmental circulars (from 1 July), guidance on emergency planning, a wider range of official statistics, and the 1997 NHS Performance Guide. Statistics received from the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency show that weekly page accesses to the Department's site have increased from just under 2,000 in June 1995 to over 12,000 in June 1997. Managers of over 250 other sites have set up links to that of the Department of Health. The Department will continue to improve the organisation of the site and its coverage.