§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what use(a) her Department and (b) its agencies are currently making of the Government Purchase Card; what savings she estimates are being achieved as a result; what plans she has to expand use of the card by her Department and its agencies; and if she will make a statement. [55181]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyThe Government Procurement Card was formally launched in Northern Ireland on 2 April 1998 and a contract signed with Ulster Bank to provide full purchasing card facilities for all NI Government Departments and Agencies.
910WA pilot implementation is being undertaken by the Department of Health and Social Services, using the free consultancy available under the agreement to facilitate the introduction of the card. This should be completed by the end of October 1998.