§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what tests the Inland Revenue has made of its computer systems relating to the self-assessment of taxation; and if the results were successful. [3257]
§ Mr. Jack[holding answer 12 November 1996]: EDS, the Inland Revenue's strategic partner, has worked with the Inland Revenue jointly to plan full testing of the computer system to support self-assessment. These tests included component, system, framework, integration and inter-system testing. They were supported by a full rehearsal of the system in local Inland Revenue offices during September. The system has been made available progressively from 4 November, since when it has been successfully available to local offices each day.
§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the extra(a) letters and (b) telephone calls the Inland Revenue is likely to receive as a result of the introduction of self-assessment. [3261]
§ Mr. Jack[holding answer 12 November 1996]: The first self-assessment tax returns will be issued in April 1997. In the period to 31 March 1998 the Inland Revenue has planned to cope with up to 1.1 million letters and up to 11 million telephone calls which it expects to receive in relation to self-assessment.
§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the cost of new computer systems at the Inland Revenue to administer the self-assessment of taxation. [3258]
§ Mr. Jack[holding answer 12 November 1996]: The computer system for self-assessment is being developed and implemented by EDS, the Inland Revenue's information technology partner. So far, the Inland Revenue has paid approximately £200 million for this service.