HC Deb 24 July 1996 vol 282 cc513-4W
Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the initial cost of the new NHS number programme; and what is the estimated cost to date and his latest estimated full outturn cost. [39771]

Mr. Horam

I will write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements were made to advertise the new NHS number programme in the contract supplement of theOfficial Journal of the EU. [39769]

Mr. Horam

The new national health service number programme has complied with the European Union regulations on procurement where these were applicable. The following contracts were advertised in the contract supplement of theOfficial Journal of the EU: The contract for development of a new NHS central register The contract for provision of a service to trace new NHS numbers

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what date the new NHS number programme was submitted for Treasury approval; on what date such approval was granted; and on what date the project commenced. [39770]

Mr. Horam

The business case for the new NHS number was submitted for Treasury approval in March 1994. Approval was granted in April 1994, and the terms of reference for the programme were agreed by the new NHS number programme board in August 1994.