HC Deb 14 July 1988 vol 137 c306W
29. Mr. Wood

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on progress with the proposed Government data network.

Mr. Brooke

The choice of Racal Data Networks Ltd. to provide the Government data network service was announced on 19 May at columns572–73. Access contracts have now been signed with Racal Data Networks Ltd. to provide services to the Department of Health and Social Services, Inland Revenue, Her Majesty's Customs and Excise and the Home Office. Racal Data Networks Ltd. is preparing for acceptance testing of the initial phase network, which is scheduled for completion early in 1989. Discussions are under way with other Departments considering using Government data network.