HC Deb 16 January 2002 vol 378 cc387-8W
Dr. Tonge

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations she has(a) had from and (b) made to the Public Records Office following the difficulties experienced by members of the public trying to access the 1901 Census on the internet. [26922]

Ms Rosie Winterton

The Public Records Office has reported to the Lord Chancellor and myself that it has carried out its statutory duty of making the 1901 census returns available to the public, by providing microfiche copies to local public library and archive services throughout the country and access to a traditional microfiche service at Kew. It has also kept us fully and regularly up to date with the initial difficulties being experienced with the launch of the online service owing to the unprecedented level of demand experienced in the first few days, and the steps that the PRO and its partner QinetiQ Ltd. are taking to resolve these difficulties. A limited online service is already available at the Family Records Centre, the Public Record Office at Kew and some other local libraries and archives.

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what penalty clauses for performance failure were included in the contracts for the construction, operation and support of the 1901 Census website; if she plans to invoke such clauses; and if she will make a statement. [26507]

Ms Rosie Winterton

The contract between the Public Record Office and QinetiQ Ltd. contains penalty clauses as is standard practice in this type of contract. The operation of these clauses, which are covered by commercial confidentiality, is a matter for the parties concerned.

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, if she will place in the Library copies of the contracts awarded for the construction, operation and support of the 1901 Census website. [26509]

Ms Rosie Winterton

This contract contains commercially sensitive information, which it would be inappropriate to put into the public domain.

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what estimate she has made of the cost to public funds of the additional work being carried out to allow the 1901 Census to be accessed online. [26508]

Ms Rosie Winterton

No cost to the Public Record Office is involved in the additional work now being carried out. The contractor QinetiQ Ltd. is meeting the costs of this work.