Written question asked by Brian White (Labour) on Friday, 29 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 November 2004. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Monday, 8 November 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what percentage of the Department's (a) implemented and (b) planned computer systems use open source software; and what plans are in place to raise this level.

Answer: Brian White: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the Department's (a) implemented and (b) planned computer systems use open source software; and what plans are in place to raise this level. [195655] Ms Rosie Winterton: The Department does not use open source software (OSS) on any of its implemented or planned computer systems. Software procurement by the Department follows the `level playing field' Government OSS Policy, which does not require the raising of levels of OSS usage in Government; rather that Government considers OSS solutions alongside proprietary ones in information technology procurements and that contracts should be awarded on a value for money, case by case basis. This policy can be viewed at www.govtalk.gov.uk.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 195655; 426 c533W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Software ICT Government departments Procurement Department of Health
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk