§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will refrain from proceeding with the purchase and installation of a £1 million order for United States manufactured computer equipment at his Department's centre at Newcastle upon Tyne until the British-owned company ICL has been given an opportunity to demonstrate its alternative system.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisThere are no grounds to interfere with the order placed with MDS Data Processing Limited for computer controlled printing equipment to be installed at DHSS Newcastle and Washington, Co. Durham. The award was made following full competitive tender in accordance with the Government's computer procurement policy. I shall be writing to my hon. Friend with full details.