§ Dr. BlackburnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how he intends to make available to prospective suppliers information about the standard specification for magistrates courts computer systems.
§ Mr. John PattenWork on the standard specification is due to be completed by next autumn. We are willing to make working drafts available on request to any prospective suppliers in the interests of reducing the time needed to complete the development of computer systems meeting the specification. This must, however, be on the understanding that the drafts are subject to amendment as the project proceeds, that the Home Office cannot take any responsibility for the use made of this material in advance of invitations to tender and that it is not possible to undertake to enter into correspondence about the content of the drafts.