Oral Answers to Questions

Bob Blackman Excerpts

Thursday 22nd October 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call Mr Stephen Phillips. He is not here. Extraordinary.

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

5. What assessment he has made of the adequacy of arrangements for meeting hon. Members’ IT requirements.

[Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington)]

The Administration Committee considered this matter in the last Parliament, and its relevant recommendations have been implemented. The most significant changes include offering more choice of equipment, the introduction of a financial limit and the provision of a tablet computer to all Members to facilitate paperless and mobile working. It is possible to secure more centrally provided equipment within the £5,945 allowance than in the last Parliament. Some 75% of Members have placed orders for new equipment.

[Bob Blackman]

My staff diligently worked through the options and came up with a direct replacement that exceeded the budget by £5. I offered to top up the budget to allow my staff to operate, only to be told that it was not possible because of bureaucracy. Will the right hon. Gentleman consider this matter so that equipment purchased with office budgets in the last Parliament is not just thrown away and Members can use it in conjunction with other equipment?

[Tom Brake]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising that issue. I was aware of the background to his concerns. As I understand it, there needs to be a limit, and many Members, myself included, have worked in such a way that they come in just below that limit. I understand that, from an accounting point of view, significant costs would be attached to ensuring the flexibility he asks for.