Firstly, the impetus behind eGovernment is a naïve hostility to the good work done by front-line staff. The papers written by the likes of the Cabinet Office and the New Local Government Network explicitly seek to replace the professional judgement of these experienced staff with computer systems.

Second, the driving force is not the UK government but the EU with its 5-year plans, eEurope (2000-05) and i2010 (2005-10). The UK and its 26 partner countries are just trying to implement the EU’s wishes.

Third, the effect of the ’scream test’ suggested — turn off the computer systems and see who screams — would be an access of renewed front-line relief, pride and energy, the interference of their ignorant political masters being at last removed.