HC Deb 04 March 1998 vol 307 cc690-1W
19. Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what assessment he has made of the effective use of Information Technology systems by Government departments. [30883]

Dr. David Clark

It is for individual departments and agencies to assess the effective use made of their IT systems.

However, the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) provides advice and guidance to government departments and agencies to help them to improve the delivery of their services through the best use of IT. In particular, CCTA provides assistance in benchmarking IT related processes to assist departments to continue to use IT effectively and efficiently.

New technology will underpin the Better Government programme and will help bring government closer to the people by making it accountable, accessible, efficient and responsive.

22. Mr. Ainger

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what proposals he is considering for the electronic delivery of Government services. [30887]

Dr. David Clark

Later this year I will publish a White Paper on Better Government which will set out the ways in which access to government services can be transformed. We will use modern technology to make life simpler and easier for people—making government fit with the way they live their lives, and businesses run their affairs.

Mr. O'Hara

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he has taken to permit individuals to supply information electronically to Government. [30885]

Dr. David Clark

Last December I launched the Intelligent Form project, which converts what were once six paper forms on notification of self-employment into one electronic form, and in so doing enables individuals to supply several departments with information simultaneously via the Internet.

I also intend to publish later this year a White Paper on Better Government, which will set out further ways in which IT will enable individuals to supply information to the Government electronically.