Written question asked by Brian White (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 July 2002. It was answered by Ian McCartney (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 July 2002 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what his policy is towards using open source software; and what percentage is used in his Department.

Answer: Brian White: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his policy is towards using open source software; and what percentage is used in his Department. [69305] Mr. McCartney: The Department for Work and Pensions will follow the Government policy when published in summer 2002. Currently open source software (OSS) is not deployed in any of the Department's national or mainstream IT systems. Figures for any use by individuals within the Department are not available, but any such use is minimal and isolated from the Department's major business systems. The Department actively reviews its position on OSS with our IT providers, on a continuous basis, ensuring we are aware of the latest IT industry thinking.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 69305; 389 c294W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Software Computers Department for Work and Pensions Government departments
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk