HC Deb 16 February 1970 vol 796 cc36-7W
Mr. Hastings

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the dates on which the Schedule E computer centres at Bootle and Cardiff, respectively, will start handling the affairs of tax payers and the planned dates at which each of the other seven centres will come into operation.

Mr. Taverne

So far as Bootle is concerned, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Bootle (Mr. Simon Mahon) on 21st November. [Vol. 791, c. 400.] P.A.Y.E. work will be taken on at Cardiff over the period 1973–75 and it is planned to take it on at the other centres as follows:

Shipley 1974–76
Manchester 1975–77
Washington 1975–77
Edinburgh 1977–79
Portsmouth 1977–79
Midlands 1977–79

Mr. Hastings

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the respective dates on which he estimates the computer hardware ordered in October, 1968, for the Schedule E centres at Bootle and Cardiff will be delivered.

Mr. Taverne

The orders placed in October, 1968, are being revised in consequence of a review of the equipment needed to handle the work loads. It is expected that the computer hardware for the Cardiff centre will be delivered in the spring of 1972. In view of the delay in building the accommodation at Bootle to which I referred in my Answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Bootle (Mr. Simon Mahon) on 21st November, 1969, it is not possible to say when the computer required for that centre will be delivered. It is however hoped to install a hired computer in temporary accommodation early in 1971.—[Vol. 791, c. 400.]

Mr. Hastings

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what is the estimated total cost of computer hardware at the Schedule E computer centres at Bootle and Cardiff, respectively;

(2) what was the total capital cost of the computer hardware installed in the Schedule E computer centre at East Kilbride.

Mr. Taverne

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the right hon. Member for Wallasey (Mr. Marples) on 10th February.—[Vol. 795, c. 303–5.]

Mr. Hastings

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give details of the make and type of computer hardware delivered to the Schedule E computer centre at East Kilbride, on order for the centres at Bootle and Cardiff, respectively, and the type expected to be required for each of the other seven centres.

Mr. Taverne

An I.C.L. 1904 computer is in operation at East Kilbride and the configuration delivered consisted of a 32K central processer with 10 magnetic tape units, 3 line printers and punched card and paper tape peripheral equipment. The equipment for the centres at Bootle and Cardiff will also be in the 1900 range and compatible equipment will be purchased for each of the remaining centres.