HC Deb 11 July 1995 vol 263 cc476-7W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission what was the cause of the House of Commons Fees Office computer breakdown; how many(a) staff, and (b) right hon. and hon. Members did not receive their June salaries on the correct date; when the fault was rectified and payments made; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Beith

I understand that the failure to make June salary payments on time was caused by operator procedural error in the Fees Office in producing the relevant disc for clearance by bankers automated clearing service, and not by a computer breakdown. The error affected 644 hon. Members, but did not affect any staff.

Non-payment was identified on Monday 3 July and remedial action was taken immediately to credit hon. Members' accounts on 5 July. Investigations are currently being held within the Fees Office and I am assured that all possible steps are being taken to prevent a repetition of the error, which the Fees Office greatly regrets.