Regional Data Networks

HC Deb 11 February 1994 vol 237 cc548-9W

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 12 January,Official Report, column 198, what was the cost of formulating the business case for implementing a national spine to connect regional data networks.

Mr. Sackville

The estimated cost of developing the business case for a national spine facility was £290,000.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 12 January,Official Report, column 198, who is carrying out the work to connect the region-wide data networks; and what is the cost.

Mr. Sackville

The competitive procurement of nationwide area networking services was initiated recently. It is intended that there will be one provider of the spine connecting region-wide networks and two or three providers of region-wide networks to maintain competitive pressures. The cost will be known when tenders are evaluated.