HL Deb 30 June 1998 vol 591 c68WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the cost of the computers delivered to the Immigration Appellate Authority at Taylor House in March; what are the terms of the contract with the supplier; why the computers remain unpacked; whether they can guarantee that the software will meet the needs of the authority; why staff have been trained on computers they cannot use; and when they expect the equipment to be brought into service. [HL2329]

The Lord Chancellor (Lord Irvine of Lairg)

The total cost of computers and IT equipment delivered to Taylor House in March 1998 was £102,410.43. This figure includes all hardware, software and licences delivered and paid for during the month for the centre as a whole. The terms of contract are those normally applied in the public sector between contractor and supplier. Delays in the realignment of some IT support service functions while those services were contracted out to the private sector meant the support services were unable to install the equipment until a number of outstanding issues had been resolved. It was decided the training programme should not be put on hold, although it would have been more desirable to train staff and judiciary on their own computers had they been available for use at the time. The difficulties have now been resolved and the equipment is timetabled to be installed during July, when checks will be made to ensure the software meets the requirements for which it was intended.