§ Mr. Thurnhamasked the Paymaster General what was the target date for completion of computerisation at (a) Bolton jobcentre and (b) jobcentres in the north-west region; what stage computerisation has now reached in (i) Bolton and (ii) the north-west region; what are the new target dates for completion; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lee[pursuant to his reply, 26 January 1987]: The Manpower Services Commission's plans for upgrading its computerised system for handling vacancies envisaged installation in Bolton jobcentre by 18 July 1986 and throughout the north-west region by 14 November 1986. The programme has been delayed because of operational problems. The Manpower Services Commission hopes to complete the introduction of the new computerised systems before 1 April 1988 in the north-west region. It is not possible at present, to forecast the completion dates for individual offices.
§ Mr. Thurnhamasked the Paymaster General how many jobs are likely to be saved by the introduction of computerisation at (a) Bolton jobcentre and (b) jobcentres in the north-west region; if there will be a reduction in staffing levels prior to the coming into full operation of computers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lee[pursuant to his reply, 26 January 1987]: There will be gains in operational efficiency and a related reduction in the number of staff required following the introduction of SUPERVACS, an enhancement of the Manpower Services Commission's computerised vacancy handling system. The number of jobs likely to be saved by this development are two at Bolton jobcentre and 71 in the Manpower Services Commission's north-west region. The savings in staff, which were to have been achieved by April 1987 have been postponed, and will now be required by April 1988.
§ Mr. Thurnhamasked the Paymaster General what are the latest estimated costs of introducing computers in (a) Bolton jobcentre and (b) north-west region jobcentres; whether these costs will be met from within existing cash limits; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lee[pursuant to his reply, 26 January 1987]: The latest estimated costs of introducing the planned enhancement of the employment service's computer system at Bolton jobcentre are £61,320. The estimated costs for the north-west region as a whole are £2.92 million. In addition, there will be an annual running cost of £210,000 for the region. These costs will be met from within existing cash limits.