asked the Minister for Energy the expenditure in his Department on information technology equipment, on the engagement of consultancy firms for information technology projects and in direct computer personnel staffing costs in each year from 1986 to 1988 inclusive, and the projected amount for 1989; and the extent to which the management grades in his own Department are involved in the development and use of information technology.

The information sought by the Deputy is as follows:

Overall responsibility for the development of information technology in my Department rests with a senior manager. Computers are now available in all sections of the Department and an extensive training programme is under way to ensure that staff at all levels, including management grades, have the appropriate skills to get the maximum benefit from information technology.