§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when the Criminal Records Bureau will come into operation; and if he will make a statement; [100609]
(2) what is the estimated cost of establishing the Criminal Records Bureau; how many staff will be employed when it commences operations; and what is the estimated annual cost of running the Bureau. [100611]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe project to set up the Criminal Records Bureau is being managed within the framework of a Public Private Partnership. Final costs and staff numbers will depend upon the outcome of procurement action. This is under way. Bids were388W received on 19 November and are under evaluation. I have been reviewing the timetable of the project and I shall announce the outcome shortly.