§ Mr. DewarTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects the first benefit payment cards to be issued; and when all such cards will be issued. [34442]
§ Mr. HealdIt is envisaged that the first benefit payment cards will be issued in 1996. The full implementation process is expected to take three years from then.
§ Mr. DewarTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the benefit payment cards he intends to introduce with particular reference to the information carried on the cards and the methods photographic and electronic of identifying the holder. [34443]
§ Mr. HealdThe design and the type of security features of the benefit payment card have not been decided. Precise details will depend on the evaluation of the proposals from the potential suppliers of the benefit payment card system, including the acceptability to customers and post office staff.
§ Mr. DewarTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the firms who have been invited to tender for the introduction and operation of the benefit payment card system. [34445]
850W
§ Mr. HealdFive companies, some of which lead consortiums, were invited to submit proposals in response to a statement of service requirements. These are:
- Cardlink UK
- BT
- EDS
- IBM
- ICL
The proposals are currently being evaluated with the intention of producing a shortlist of potential prime contractors with whom Post Office Counters Ltd. and this Department will enter into negotiations which we expect to lead to an awarded of contract.