§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when his Department established its Internet site; what representations he has received and what data he has collated on the use and utility of the site; and what steps he is taking to increase the amount of information available via the site. [19149]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe Department of the Environment's Internet site was established in late 1994. The average weekly accesses are 8,500 from a wide cross-section of users both at home and overseas. My Department has received no representations on its use of the Internet. We view the Internet as an important means of augmenting the provision of information in all areas of the Department's responsibilities. My Department is looking at increasing the availability of information on the Internet as part of its normal publishing procedures.