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Published: Fri, 22 Aug 2003 01:00:00 UTC Author: Sarah Southerton No10 launches 'one-way' email facility http://tinyurl.com/kxuk The prime minister can finally be contacted via email - but correspondents should not expect a response. Visitors to the Downing Street website are invited to send Tony Blair their messages. Topics where views are sought include the civil service, countryside issues, work and welfare, the internet and sport. But there is no mention of Iraq, Dr Kelly, weapons of mass destruction or holidays in the Caribbean. Those who do email Number 10 will then be sent an automated response acknowledging their message. But users should not expect the prime minister, or one of his many staff, to send a more substantive response. "If the content of your message is private or personal, or you would like to receive a reply, you should write to the prime minister instead," the website warns. The move follows growing criticism at the prime minister's failure to offer an email facility to those wishing to correspond with him. Recent reports suggested he was the last major world leader unwilling to offer an email option to voters. And whilst the facility has only been available for a short period of time, it has already caused some controversy. Downing Street has received an invoice for £2,000 from an internet consultant claiming to have devised the system adopted by the premier. "I'm very happy that an efficient facility has finally been put into place," said marketing consultant Tim Ireland via his weblog. "This new system is beneficial to the public and to Tony Blair, at minimal cost to the taxpayer. "It's a very well-conceived system, and I should know. I conceived it." _______________________________________________ Sent via the discussion list of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq. To unsubscribe, visit http://lists.casi.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/casi-discuss To contact the list manager, email casi-discuss-admin@lists.casi.org.uk All postings are archived on CASI's website: http://www.casi.org.uk