HC Deb 11 May 1988 vol 133 cc116-7W
Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements are being made by his Department or other Government agencies to provide cost-effective communications systems for police national computer U2.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The Department is considering a number of options for the provision of a cost-effective communications system for the replacement police national computer.

Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements will be made for tendering for civil works contracts associated with police national computer U2; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

All contracts for civil works at the PNC site at Hendon, associated with the replacement police national computer system, will be let by the Metropolitan police (which is responsible for providing services to that site) under its normal tendering procedure.

Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what stage has been reached for specifications for data processing equipment for police national computer U2.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The operational requirement for the replacement police national computer was issued to potential suppliers on 3 May 1988. A copy has been placed in the Library.

Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff are currently employed full or part-time on planning or development work for police national computer U2.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

As at 9 May 1988, 48 staff (42 civil servants and six seconded police officers) were employed full-time, and one civil servant was employed part-time, on planning and development work for the replacement police national computer.