§ Mr. AllanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimates he has made of staffing levels at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate offices at Croydon on(a) 1 April 1998, (b) 1 April 1999 and (c) 1 April 2000. [24549]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienCurrent estimates are that there will be surpluses of Immigration and Nationality Directorate staff in Croydon of between 170 to 467 in the financial year 1998–99 and of a further 150 to 250 in 1999–2000.
§ Mr. AllanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what time scale he has planned for the implementation of the new computer system at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate offices at Croydon in respect of(a) initial installation, (b) pilot phase and (c) full operation. [24548]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe contract to design, build, install and operate the new computer system in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate was awarded to628W Siemens Business Services under the Private Finance Initiative. It is accordingly for Siemens to plan the implementation, and the contract places on it the main financial consequences of any delay. There has recently been a delay of a few months to the original timetable for the installation and piloting of the solution. Siemens is preparing detailed plans and will shortly propose revised dates. I shall write to the hon. Gentleman when these have been agreed.
§ Mr. AllanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what sum is budgeted for the operation of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate offices at Croydon for the years(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000. [24547]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe information requested is not available because the Immigration and Nationality Directorate budget is not apportioned by location or building. The total budget for the Directorate is £226 million in 1997–98 and £223.7 million in 1998–99. The budget for 1999–2000 will be set following consideration of the Comprehensive Spending Review.