§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list each major new computer system that(a) her Department, (b) non-departmental bodies and (c) agencies under her responsibility have purchased in the last five years; what was the initial purchase cost and what was the final cost; what was each system's (i) planned and (ii) actual date of commissioning; what major computer systems will be purchased by bodies in categories (a), (b) and (c) in the next financial year; and what is their estimated cost. [27845]
§ Mr. FieldThis information requested can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
The Department makes extensive use of a range of computer systems to support the administration of Social Security and has been involved in a continuous programme over the past five years of developing and upgrading its major systems. These systems have been either developed "in house" or procured through contracts with the Private Sector. The Department is looking at opportunities to use new computer systems in support of its Modern Service Programme but no commitments have been made for the next financial year.