§ Mrs. LawrenceTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on progress towards meeting the target on e-tendering for Government business. [24095]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithWe are currently piloting an internet-based electronic tendering service (OGC Tendertrust) with 10 Departments. This pilot will ensure that the whole of Government have access to a service that will assure the delivery, security and integrity of tenders across the internet and authenticate all parties to the transaction. This service uses digital certificates and smartcards and has received formal Government security accreditation. The evidence from the pilot shows that further work is needed to maintain the right level of security and encourage take up of the service. We will therefore revise our target of sending and receiving 100 per cent. of tenders electronically by December 2002.