§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what commitments and estimated costs Her Majesty's Government have incurred as a result of the signing of the memorandum of agreement to proceed with the Government data network; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeNo commitments to the consortia bidding for the Government data network have been incurred by Her Majesty's Government as a result of the signing of the memorandum of agreement. A decision on whether or not to proceed to contract will be taken after tenders have been evaluated.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guarantees are provided for the security of confidential information(a) belonging to Government Departments and (b) held on individuals in the proposal for the Government data network to be managed privately; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeIt is not planned to transmit classified information across the proposed Government data network. Data will be protected against corruption and unauthorised access while in transit. User Departments are responsible for all their data, and would be responsible for providing any additional protection for sensitive information.