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Information Select Committee

Answer

Mrs. Ann Winterton: To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee what has been the total cost to date of cabling the parliamentary estate for access to the parliamentary data and video network; what is the estimated cost of completing the cabling; what estimate he has made of the impact on hon. Members' office cost allowances of hon. Members upgrading their computer systems to make use of the PDVN network; for what reasons the Director of Communications has refused to connect to the PDVN machines using Microsoft Windows 95; and if he will make a statement on problems encountered. [8342] Mr. Waller: The cabling for the parliamentary data and video network--PDVN--is being installed in conjunction with electrical rewiring, telephone cable renewal and associated asbestos removal, and it is not possible to give a meaningful figure for the cost of the PDVN cabling alone. The pace of change in information technology inevitably means that desktop equipment may have to be updated at intervals if hon. Members wish to have access to the full range of enhanced services available on the PDVN. Guidance on the most appropriate systems for connection to the PDVN, making effective use of resources available from the office costs allowance, is given by the Director of Communications on request. The Director of Communications encourages the continued use of Windows 3.11, while the reliability of network use of Windows 95 is being assessed, but recognises that increasing numbers of new machines purchased by hon. Members come with Windows 95 installed and will arrange for connection of Windows 95 machines to the PDVN. Connection of Windows 95 machines to the PDVN via modem is, however, currently not available, due to technical incompatibilities. Changes to the PDVN are currently being tested with a view to offering this service in the new year.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

8342; 287 c95-6W

Session

1996-97

Subjects

Software Costs Computers Allowances Buildings Legislatures Members Parliamentary data and video network

Contains statistics

Yes