§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the Government's policy is towards incorporating public feedback via the internet into the process of policy formation and the taking of decisions; and if she will make a statement. [155318]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyIn line with our published Code of Practice on written consultations, it is our policy that from January 2001 all written consultations are published online and that responses can be made via email. A register of all consultations is published on ukonline.gov.uk.
In addition to online written consultations, ukonline.gov.uk also provides a number of discussion forums on a range of issues. Registered users of ukonline.gov.uk may submit their opinions to these discussion groups and comment on the other opinions published online.
We are currently considering how best to make use of the internet in terms of broadening and deepening participation in the democratic process. We will be consulting widely on our policy in this area, including via the internet, as it develops.