§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the Treasury's business is undertaken electronically at present; and what target has been set. [106801]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe Treasury has already met its target, due to be achieved in 2002, to increase the proportion of business undertaken electronically, in accordance with Government targets, to more than 25 per cent. of external communications.
Specific targets have been set for non-ministerial correspondence, where the Treasury now has 100 per cent. capability, and for electronic procurement of goods and services, where the current achievement of 55 per cent. exceeds the 40 per cent. target.
The Treasury carries out a very high proportion of its internal business electronically. The principal constraint to carrying out more external business electronically is the capability of external contacts.