HL Deb 31 July 1998 vol 592 c269WA
Lord Cope of Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the light of the damages recently paid in respect of the use of illegal software by one of Her Majesty's prisons, what steps they are taking to ensure that no department or agency uses illegal software in future. [HL3050]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

It is the responsibility of the accounting officer for each department to ensure that all aspects of the business of the department are conducted with the utmost propriety.

Software does not merit any special treatment, but the noble Lord may be interested to learn that the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) is preparing to issue shortly a reminder to departments and agencies to bring legal arrangements up to date where applicable.