§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will list all the computer consultancies employed by his Department and agencies, since November 1991, the tasks for which they were engaged, and the total cost to his Department.
§ Mr. SproatMy Department has used the Government's centre for information systems, the CCTA, to advise on its computer requirements and future information systems strategy. It has also used Sema Group Ltd. to advise on transferring data from former parent Departments, and on various proposals for computer software. To date, the Department has spent £416,658 inclusive of VAT on computer consultancies.
The Royal Parks Agency has used KPMG to develop IT-based systems for financial monitoring, grounds maintenance monitoring and crime monitoring for the Royal Parks constabulary. It has also used Mr. Geoffrey Page, an individual consultant, to develop and commence implementation of an IT strategy. To date, it has spent £82,547 inclusive VAT on consultancies.
The Historic Royal Palaces Agency has used Ibex Systems Ltd. to develop the agency's financial system at a cost of £1,462 inclusive of VAT.