§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) portable telephones, (b) pagers and electronic bleepers and (c) car telephones are currently used by his Department; what are the annual costs of operating this equipment; and to which personnel it is made available.
§ Mr. HagueThe information is not available in the form requested. The available information is in the table. The equipment is provided where a valid business case for its purchase and use is made by the individual/unit concerned.
Mobile telephones (including car 'phones) Pagers Benefits Agency Number in use 1— 1— Combined annual cost 2£625,738.94 1— Contributions Agency Number in use 1— 1— Combined annual cost 2£194,183.18 1— Information Technology Services Agency Number in use 539 1,111 Annual cost £210,681 £244,503 Number issued to specified BA and ES district offices for the use of computer support staff — 998 Annual cost — £108,562 DSS HQ Number in use 49 72 Annual cost £20,193 £14,757 Child Support Agency Number in use 380 185 Annual cost 1— 1— Resettlement Agency Number in use 7 8 Annual cost 1— 1— War Pensions Agency Number in use 103 5 Annual cost £27,810 £439 Notes:
1 Indicates that no central record is held by the Agency and the information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
2 Includes combined annual cost of mobile telephones and pagers.
Figures quoted are as at the end of the 1993–94 financial year.