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Information Select Committee

Answer

Michael Fabricant: To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee if the Parliamentary Communications Directorate will (a) provide information to hon. Members about services available and (b) update computers to permit centrally provided lap-top personal computers to be enabled to dial-up local numbers when abroad to access an internet service provider in order to use the web-based Outlook facility. [180266] Mr. Key: There are no plans to provide Members with access to a local Internet Service Provider (ISP) while they are abroad. Members can already access the Parliamentary Network while abroad using either the Citrix remote access service or a Virtual Private Network dial-up account; both of these involve making a telephone call to a UK number and Members can claim the cost of such calls from their Incidental Expenses Provision. The Parliamentary Communications Directorate (PCD) plans to make web-based access to a Members' e-mail and on-line diary available before the Houses rises for the summer recess. With this new service, access will be possible from any computer with an Internet connection, such as computers provided in conference or hotel business centres, airport departure lounges, and Internet cafes. The software used will ensure that no trace of the Member's activity is left on the computer and that it is not possible for anyone to decipher a Member's password details. If Members wish to use their own lap-tops with a local ISP while abroad, they will first need to make some arrangement with a local ISP in the country they are visiting. The number dialled by a lap-top computer can readily be changed to allow access to an alternative ISP and PCD can advise hon. Members how to do this. The Information Committee will look at the possibility of providing (i) a list of local ISPs for as many countries as possible, and (ii) information on subscription services that facilitate global roaming.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

423 c12-3W; 180266

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Computers ICT Internet Members

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk