HC Deb 18 December 1987 vol 124 cc846-7W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will indicate the anticipated level of savings necessary to justify .proceeding with the construction of the Government data network.

Mr. Brooke

The network will proceed only if it represents value for money over the life of the project.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how Her Majesty's Customs and Excise will utilise the Government data network to obtain vehicle data.

Mr. Brooke

There is no intention for the police national computer (PNC) to use the proposed Government data network (GDN). If the current Customs and Excise departmental data network is replaced by the GDN, the interface between the PNC and the Customs and Excise departmental reference and information computer (CEDRIC) will be retained, to enable vehicle data to he transferred to selected CEDRIC terminals.