§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of total departmental expenditure on computer-related current and capital work for(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98, (d) 1998–99 and (e) 1999–00; and if he will make a statement. [11393]
186W
§ Mr. SpellarThe estimated departmental expenditure on major and medium scale computer-related systems and their associated communications capabilities, including planned capital expenditure and operating costs, but excluding manpower costs, is:
£ million 1995–96 Figures not centrally collated 1996–97 1,130 1997–98 941 1998–99 1,030 1999–00 997 These figures do not include the cost of minor purchases made under local financial delegated powers, which are not collated centrally and could be obtained only through a major survey at disproportionate cost.
The Department places great importance on the exploitation of computer-related systems to improve both military effectiveness and administrative efficiency.