Written question asked by Peter Ainsworth (Conservative) on Monday, 7 July 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 July 2008. It was answered by David Cairns (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 July 2008 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Departmental Computers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of (a) the number of computer devices left on overnight in his Department when not in use and (b) the cost of leaving computer devices on overnight when not in use in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Scotland Office shares an information technology system (SCOTS) with the Scottish Executive, which is responsible for the development, administration and maintenance of the system. The Office does not maintain records of devices left on overnight. However, the recent introduction of new software on SCOTS will ensure that desktop personal computers are automatically shut down each night and staff have been reminded of the need to switch off printers etc.

Secondary information