HC Deb 28 November 1996 vol 286 cc342-3W
Ms Church

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 11 November,Official Report, column 20, what were the proposed annual savings for the 12 IT projects in the bands above and including £1 million to £2 million undertaken since 1992; and what have been the realised annual savings. [6709]

Mr. Hanley

Investment is agreed only if it represents value for money. This can include cash savings and additional costs avoided, which are quantifiable, and quality improvements, which are not.

Quantifiable annual savings expected were £23.2 million largely in additional costs avoided rather than cash. Three projects are finished. but have not been operational long enough for full savings to be realised.

Ms Church

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 11 November,Official Report, column 20, what are the proposed annual savings for the seven IT projects in the £1 million to £2 million band planned for 1997–98.[6708]

Mr. Hanley

Planning of these projets is still at an early stage and expected savings have not yet been fully quantified.