§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what out-sourcing contracts his agencies have with the EDS software computer system; what is the current cost; when the contract ends; what are the penalties involved should he seek early termination of the contract; and if he will make a statement; [23733]
(2) if he will set out the terms of the contract the Child Support Agency has with the EDS computer system; and if he will make a statement. [23539]
§ Mr. Andrew MitchellThe contract to outsource the Department's data centre services was awarded to EDS Ltd. on 1 June 1995 and is for a period of 10 years. The contract is volume/output based with a value depending on future levels of business.
Current estimates are that charges will be in the region of £600 million over the 10-year period.
Other details relating to the terms and conditions of this contract, and the Child Support Agency's contract with EDS, are commercial in confidence.