§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Defence what consultancy advice was available to his Department in deciding to purchase each of the Cray computer systems now operational at research establishments in his Department; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonPurchase of the Cray computer systems was handled under normal procurement procedure and involved wide consultation within the Ministry of Defence. The Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency of HM Treasury gave advice through participation in the evaluation team.
§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will describe the accounting policy of his Department in regard to purchases of major computer systems for use at research establishments, stating whether the cost of such a system is included within the costs of specific research and development projects.
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§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe purchase of scientific computer systems at defence research establishments would be a charge to Defence Vote 2s4. Major systems would normally be regarded as an overhead cost, which are, however, taken into account in assessing the full cost of a project.
§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will describe the management and accounting systems under which decisions are taken to purchase major computer systems for use at his Department's research establishments; and what person or persons are authorised to order a computer system costing more than £1 million for use at any such establishment.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonAll procurement for major computer systems is handled on behalf of the Department by the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency of the Treasury. Subject to Treasury and ministerial approval where necessary, financial authority for the purchase of scientific computers is delegated to the Controller R&D Establishments, Research and Nuclear.