HC Deb 20 February 1996 vol 272 cc93-4W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what were the findings of the study carried out by Zergo Consulting for the NHS information management group into the feasibility of encrypting data on the NHS-wide network; and what plans he has to publish the report; [14939]

(2) what were the terms of reference for the study carried out by Zergo Consulting for the NHS information management group in to the feasibility of encrypting data on the NHS-wide network; [14938]

(3) what was the cost of the study carried out by Zergo Consulting for the NHS information management group into the feasibility of encrypting data on the NHS-wide network. [14940]

Mr. Horam

The terms of reference of the study carried out by Zergo Consulting for the national health service information management group into the feasibility of encrypting data on the NHS-wide network were as followsIn order to ensure that the network architecture is appropriate to future needs a study is required which explores the practical issues of using the following security services: Digital Signatures to provide strong authentication and integrity checking; Trusted Third Party facilities for certifying encryption keys; encryption for confidentiality.

The NHS executive seeks advice on the purposes for which these services can be used, the contexts and the extent to which they might be used in each context; the probable costs and benefits which would accrue in each context, and to which parties they would accrue; the most suitable standards and types of product to be used; the additional costs and implications of providing these services on a national NHS basis in such a fashion that they are available for use when those communicating NHS information think it appropriate.

The findings of the study will be published when the NHS executive and Ministers have had an opportunity to study them. A copy will be sent to the Library.

The quotation for the cost of the study was provided by Zergo Consulting in competition with two other expert firms. All quotations are classified restricted—commercial.