HC Deb 29 January 2003 vol 398 c852W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has to extend the opportunities for members of the public to contribute to the development of government policy by online scrutiny and discussion of proposed initiatives. [93387]

Mr. Alexander

The Government have recently consulted on e-democracy which included issues concerning online scrutiny. A report on the consultation, entitled "In the Service of Democracy: Your Response", along with individual responses, has been posted on the Government's e-democracy website,www.edemocracy.gov.uk

The majority of the responses are supportive of the Government's efforts to develop an e-democracy policy although many important and serious issues were raised that will require detailed analysis and consideration.

We are very grateful to all those who took time to consider the issues raised in the consultation document and we will, of course, keep the House informed as policy is developed on e-democracy.