Written question asked by Brian White (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 July 2002. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Monday, 15 July 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what her policy is towards using open source software; and what percentage is used in her Department.

Answer: Brian White: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is towards using open source software; and what percentage is used in her Department. [69303] Alun Michael: DEFRA's IT technical policies do not indicate the use of open source software. The vast majority of DEFRA software requirements are currently met by commercial off-the-shelf software; open source software usage is insignificant in overall percentage terms. DEFRA's use of open source software will follow the Government policy when published. The draft policy can be viewed on http://www.govtalk.gov.uk/default.asp. It is understood that there are plans to publish the policy in summer 2002.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 69303; 389 c37W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Software Computers Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Government departments
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk