HC Deb 23 July 1996 vol 282 cc233-4W
Mr. Chisholm

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland who specified the computing contract won by CSC; and who evaluated the CSC bid. [39174]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

A statement of service requirements was prepared by each customer and formed the basis of the contract negotiated with each of the shortlisted bidders. The bid was evaluated by an evaluation group appointed by the national working group on computer services which was representative of customer interests. Customer preferences were sought and taken into account in the evaluation process.

Mr. Chisholm

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the disaster recovery plan if CSC fails to discharge its obligations in accordance with its computing contract. [39162]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

In the normal course, contingency plans are prepared against events which might cause major disruption to the service. Provisions against the possibility of either party failing to discharge their obligations are included in the contract and these are intended to provide a framework to ensure, as necessary, transfer and continuity of service. A high-level contingency plan based on these contract provisions is in hand and this addresses the range of issues which might arise, options for action and the responsibilities for taking them forward.

Mr. Chisholm

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what effect the performance of CSC has had on the billing of general practitioner fundholders by national health service trusts. [39160]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

No significant difficulties have arisen. Only one minor difficulty has been brought to the attention of the Common Services Agency and this has been addressed by CSC with the client concerned.

Mr. Chisholm

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which targets and deadlines were included in the computing contract won by CSC; and what progress has been made in meeting them. [39159]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Targets for quality and delivery are set, as necessary, by each customer of the contract. These cover the full range of services and developments identified by health boards, NHS trusts and the Common Services Agency and are specified in individual customer agreements. Monitoring is carried out by individual customers on the basis of service reports provided to them by CSC. Responsibility for providing an overview of the contract rests with the Common Services Agency.

Mr. Chisholm

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what sanctions are available if CSC fails to discharge its obligations in accordance with its computing contract. [39161]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

If services are not supplied in accordance with service levels specified in customer agreements each customers is entitled to liquidate damages which reflect the loss to the customer. In addition, each customer is entitled to insist on compliance with the service levels specifications regardless of the impact on the resource required by the supplier. If the service falls below the agreed minimum services standard, each customer has additional rights which may include termination if the defaults are not remedied within the three months of notice being given.