§ Sir Andrew BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security by what date the five consortia bidding to act as prime contractors for the automated benefit payment system must submit their proposals; when the Department of Social Security will make its decision; and when he expects the system to be operational. [26369]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe five consortia must submit their proposals by 8 June and the Department will make its decision around the end of the year. The first benefit payment cards are expected to be issued in 1996 and the whole implementation process is expected to take up to three years.
§ Sir Andrew BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will place in the Library a copy of the automated benefit payment card statement of system requirement. [26368]
§ Mr. Roger EvansNo. The statement of service requirement is part of the contractual negotiations between the Department and potential service providers, and as such is commercially confidential.