HC Deb 29 July 1998 vol 317 cc294-5W
Mr. Chope

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 23 July 1998,Official Report, columns 652–53, on the ICL Pathway Project, (1) if he will list the firm or firms who have supplied the consultants; [53160]

(2) on what date the consultants were appointed; and whether their appointment followed a competitive tender. [53164]

Mr. Geoffrey Robinson

[holding answer 28 July 1998]: The PA Consulting Group, Mr. Alec Wylie and Mr. Bill Robins were engaged to assist with the monitoring of the ICL Pathway project. The Government have a call off contract with PA Consulting through the CCTA service catalogue. PA Consulting started work on 28 April 1998. Mr. Wylie and Mr. Robins, with whom contracts were signed on 1 May, were selected after a number of candidates were interviewed.

Mr. Chope

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 23 July 1998,Official Report, columns 652–53, when the objectives set by the Government will be achieved by the ICL Pathway Project. [53161]

Mr. Geoffrey Robinson

[holding answer 28 July 1998]: Present plans provide that the programme to automate all post offices will be completed by end 2000.

Mr. Chope

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 23 July 1998,Official Report, columns 652–53, on the ICL Pathway Project, if he will list the parties involved. [53163]

Mr. Geoffrey Robinson

[holding answer 28 July 1998]: The parties to the contracts are: the Benefits Agency (on behalf of DSS), Post Office Counters Limited and ICL Pathway.

Mr. Chope

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 23 July 1998,Official Report, columns 652–53, for what reasons the Government have decided not to assess alternative options to the ICL Pathway Project. [53162]

Mr. Geoffrey Robinson

[holding answer 28 July 1998]: ICL Pathway are engaged in a project to automate post office counters under contracts agreed in 1996. The Government remain committed to the objectives of the project.

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