§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to develop the potential of modern broad band optical fibre communications within her Department and its agencies; and if she will make a statement. [52327]
§ Mr. DenhamThe Department currently uses a wide range of data and voice communication services to provide links between its staff and their information technology systems. The bulk of these services are provided under contract and are delivered through technology chosen by our service providers. These service providers all utilise broadband optical fibre communication products for part of the current network. We will look to exploit the value of these and other high speed communications products as part of our drive to create a modern welfare service.