§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the contracts his Department and his agencies have with SHL software computer system; what is the current cost; when each contract ends; and what are the penalties involved should he seek early termination of the contract. [31435]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotI assume that the company referred to is SHL Systemhouse UK Ltd., a member of the Canadian SHL Systemhouse Inc. group. While the MOD procurement executive has direct dealings with this company, there are only a few contracts and to divulge the cost and termination date details would be a breach of commercial confidence.
Ministry of Defence contracts generally contain a standard "break" condition which enables the Ministry to terminate a contract after a given period without penalty. There may also be other termination provisions, but these would be tailored to the circumstances of the particular contract.
Where chief executives of my Department's agencies exercise their responsibilities for this matter under the terms of their framework documents, I have asked them to write to the hon. Member direct.
91WLetter from John Chisholm to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 11 June 1996:
You recently asked the Secretary of State for Defence for details of contracts his Department and Agencies have with SHL software computer system. I am replying on behalf of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA).
I can confirm that DERA has no current contracts with SHL. We have, in the past, had a number of small value contracts with the company but these are all now completed.
I hope this is helpful.
Letter from J. C. R. Hunt to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 11 June 1996:
I am replying to your question to the Defence Secretary concerning SHL computer systems, as this falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Meteorological Office.
We currently have no contracts with the company.
I hope this is helpful.
Letter from S. Parnell to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 11 June 1996:
1. You recently asked the Secretary of State for Defence a Parliamentary Question about contracts the Ministry of Defence or its agencies have with SHL software computer system. As the issues raised fall within the responsibility of the Chief Executive your question has been referred to the Hydrographic Office for the provision of a response.
2. In the normal course of events my Chief Executive, Rear Admiral Clarke, would reply to you personally but unfortunately he is at present on official business overseas. In light of this I have been asked to respond.
3. In answer to your question the Hydrographic Office does not have any form of contract with SHL software computer system.
4. I hope this has been helpful.