asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the expenditure in his Department on information technology equipment, on the engagement of consultancy firms for information technology projects and on 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 which the Deputy requires in relation to expenditure is set out in the table below.

Management grades in my Department are involved in the continuing development and implementation of the Department's Information Technology Plan. Equipment is widely used by management grades.