§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the cost of the Horizon project was broken down by(a) cancellation payments and (b) others costs; and from which accounts of the Government and their agencies those costs were met. [40551]
§ Mr. AlexanderThe total cost to Consignia of the Horizon project to automate the whole of the Post Office network was £1 billion. No cancellation payments have been made. £480 million of the project costs were funded from cash investments held by Consignia and previously earmarked for surrender to the Treasury. Wider background to the Horizon project is provided in the reports of the Committee of Public Accounts and of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the cancellation of the Benefit Payment Card project.
§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) when she expects the review of the future of the Crown office at Barras Bridge, Newcastle to be completed; [40552]
(2) how many sorting offices are located in (a)Northumberland, (b)Tyne and Wear, (c)Durham and(d)Cleveland which are open at weekends; and what proposals there are for changes in (a)the number of sorting offices and (b)weekend opening. [40553]
§ Mr. AlexanderThis is a matter that falls within the day to day responsibility of Consignia and I have therefore asked the chief executive to reply direct to my hon. Friend.