§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total cost of installing a new telephone system in his Department, when the new system became operative; and when Ministers took steps to inform hon. Members of their new telephone numbers.
§ Mr. HurdThe new system became operative on 11 January. The cost was about £785,000, including VAT. On 13 January, details of Ministers' new numbers were made available through Whips' offices. I am sorry this was not done sooner.