§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by what means, when and at what cost, he intends to promote vouchers for pre-school children. [5864]
§ Mr. AncramDetails of expenditure plans will shortly be finalised. I will write to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 14 November,Official Report, column 355, for what reasons the administration costs of the pre-school voucher scheme do not have additional start-up costs in the first year. [6090]
§ Mr. AncramThe cost of administering the nursery voucher scheme, including start up costs have been estimated on the basis of the three-year period of the initial contract and a detailed breakdown is not available. The answer of 14 November spread the total estimated cost for Northern Ireland of £300,000 evenly over the three years.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 14 November,Official Report, column 355, if he will negotiate to ensure that, in the contract with Capita over the pre-school voucher scheme, that there will be no costs falling on an incoming administration should the voucher scheme not go ahead. [6091]
§ Mr. AncramThe national contract with Capita does not cover Northern Ireland but contains an opt-in clause permitting coverage to be extended to the Province when the necessary legislation is in place. In line with commercial practice, the contract for the national scheme contains provision for the payment of costs related to early termination of the contract. Further details are available in the contract, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.