Written question asked by Lord Allan of Hallam on Wednesday, 21 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 5 February 2004. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Thursday, 5 February 2004 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Cabinet Office

Question: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what audit mechanisms are in place to determine whether information technology (a) hardware and (b) software products are being used properly in his Department.

Answer: Mr. Allan: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what audit mechanisms are in place to determine whether information technology (a) hardware and (b) software products are being used properly in his Department. [150929] Mr. Alexander: The Cabinet Office and its agencies (the Central Office of Information and the Government Car and Despatch Agency), use formal processes and procedures to ensure that all official IT hardware and software is used properly. The Department maintains asset registers and service statistics, and undertake regular checks on these using both electronic and manual methods. We have controls in place to guarantee that approved software and hardware products only are used on official systems, and that they are sourced and supported through approved channels. The Department also use systems to manage and monitor access to Internet services, to secure the effective day-to-day operation of IT, and for other lawful purposes. The Cabinet Office Management Code informs staff on the rules and guidelines covering the use of electronic communications facilities, and highlights the consequences of non-compliance.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 417 c1047-8W;417 c1047W; 150929
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Software Computers ICT Government departments Monitoring Standards Cabinet Office
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk