§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 6 May,Official Report, column 664, what was the cost of calls made on mobile telephones in 1993–94; how much this equipment cost to buy or hire; and what were the maintenance costs.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe standing charges for mobile telephones in 1993–94 was £150,000 and the cost of calls made in the year was £152,000. All mobile telephones have been purchased over a period of several years; the average price paid in 1993–94 was £232, including value added tax. In view of the warranties provided and long-term reliability of this equipment, the Department has not entered into any maintenance contracts.