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Msc (New Technology)

Volume 75: debated on Thursday 21 March 1985

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asked the Secretary of State for Employment what investment has been made by the Manpower Services Commission in new technology to improve the administrative efficiency of the commission for each of the years 1981–82 to 1984–85, broken down by Selkirk house, Moorfoot, Sheffield, Manpower Services Commission regional offices, Manpower Services Commission area offices, the Manpower Services Commission large companies unit and each operating division of the commission; and if he will make a statement on the future investment plans for the commission in new technology.

Capital investment in new technology in the MSC for the financial years 1981–82 to 1984–85 is as follows.For each of the financial years concerned 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84 and finally 1984–85 the figures are as follows:

£
Employment Division
1981–821,337,839
1982–831,533,112
1983–842,106,500
1984–851,794,000
Training Division
1981–82432,273
1982–833,999,949
1983–84770,579
1984–85528,000
Skillcentre Training Agency
1981–82
1982–83

£

1983–84
1984–85179,000

PER

1981–824,699
1982–832,726
1983–8429,202
1984–8528,000

Commission and Essential Services

1981–82317,728
1982–83274,691
1983–842,752,777
1984–851,703,000

Total

1981–822,092,539
1982–835,810,478
1983–845,659,058
1984–854,232,000

The figures include expenditure on computers, telecommunications equipment and office machinery for 1981–82 to 1983–84 as published. The figures for 1984–85 are forecast expenditure in respect of the new skillcentre training agency is included within the overall training division totals for 1981–82 to 1983–84. It has not proved possible to break the expenditure down below operating divisions but an indication of equipment provided is as follows:

Selkirk House: Word processors and micro-computers.
Moorfoot (Sheffield): Word processors, various micro-computers, on-line national vacancy system (NATVACS), many computer systems relating to payment of allowances and operation of programmes (TOPS mini and Spectrum).
MSC Regional Offices: Many computer systems relating to payment of allowances, operation of programmes, and circulation of vacancy information; various micro-computers.
MSC Area Offices: Many computer systems relating to payment of allowances and operation of programmes; various micro-computers.
MSC Large Companies Unit: Not yet operating a computer system but research is currently being conducted into implementing a suitable system in late 1985–86.

In addition, an electronic mail system links Selkirk house, Moorfoot and all regional and area offices. Future investment plans for the commission in new technology are currently being considered within the financial planning cycle.