ROLE OF MOBILE PHONE TECHNOLOGY IN PUBLIC SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS

That this House welcomes the contribution mobile communications technology is making to improving the delivery of public services, particularly health, transport, policing and local government; believes that this technology can improve efficiency, cut bureaucracy and reduce the burden on essential front line services, by offering public sector workers access to important information and data as and when it is needed; notes that mobile technology services such as general practitioner appointment reminders by text message or real time travel information via the mobile internet offer personalised access to public sector services; further notes the potential of third generation mobile communications to improve access to information and services; and urges the Government to consider seriously its widespread use in public sector reform and improvements.