Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Nick Smith and Nick Hurd

Wednesday 11th December 2013 Commons Chamber

[Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)]

3. What recent progress he has made on the Government ICT Strategy.

[The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Mr Nick Hurd)]

We have created a world-class Government web presence. We believe that we saved £500 million in 2012-13 through better IT spend controls, and our digital by default strategy is transforming 25 of the most significant Government transactions by making them easier for users and cheaper for taxpayers.

[Nick Smith]

Meanwhile, in the real world, the new Army recruitment contract with Capita is a shambles. Why did the Government not plan the ICT better so that the new recruitment processes and Ministry of Defence systems worked better?

[Mr Hurd]

I have to tell the hon. Gentleman that the real world we inherited was an absolute shambles in terms of how Government managed IT transactions. His is the party that gave us tax credits and the NHS IT system. What we have done is to put in proper controls and create the conditions in which smaller and leaner organisations can come in and offer better value.