Written question asked by Lord Bruce of Bennachie (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 5 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 October 2004. It was answered by Richard Caborn (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 October 2004 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many cases of computer misuse there were in (a) her Department and (b) Ofcom this year to date; how many of those cases resulted in disciplinary action; and what measures are in place to (i) discourage and (ii) monitor computer misuse. - Inc fact that Ofcom will write.

Answer: Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many cases of computer misuse there were in (a) her Department and (b) Ofcom this year to date; how many of those cases resulted in disciplinary action; and what measures are in place to (i) discourage and (ii) monitor computer misuse. [190262] Mr. Caborn: (a) There have been no cases of computer misuse in the Department to date this year. All staff in the Department must sign our Acceptable Use Policy before e-mail or internet access is provided. The policy has to be signed off on an annual basis thereafter. All use of departmental IT systems is monitored and filtering systems are in place to prevent access to unacceptable material. (b) With respect to Ofcom, the matter raised is the responsibility of the Office of Communications (Ofcom) as independent regulator. Accordingly, my officials have asked the Chief Executive of Ofcom to respond directly to the hon. Member. Copies of the Chief Executive's letter will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 425 c267-8W; 190262
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Disciplinary proceedings Software Computers Government departments Ofcom Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk