HC Deb 15 March 1999 vol 327 cc499-500W
Mr. Beith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated(a) initial capital cost and (b) annual running cost of the Public Safety Radio Communications Project in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [75701]

Mr. Boateng

The Public Safety Radio Communications Project (PSRCP) is to be delivered as a Private Finance Initiative scheme. British Telecom will be the service provider and, therefore, responsible for the capital infrastructure costs.

I am advised by Police Information Technology Organisation that negotiations for the award of the contract for PSRCP are now entering their final stage. I am, therefore, not able to comment on annual running costs as they are part of the contract negotiations.

Mr. Beith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what form of competition took place prior to negotiations starting on the introduction of the Public Safety Radio Communications Project; and what other parties took an interest in providing the communications services required by the Police. [75703]

Mr. Boateng

A full competition was held under European Community rules and three consortia were invited to submit a bid. The Project Definition Study was awarded to Quadrant—a consortium led by British Telecom after the two other consortia withdrew from the competition.

Mr. Beith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what contingency plans have been prepared for an alternative to the Public Safety Radio Communications Project. [75702]

Mr. Boateng

A fallback strategy has been produced and is being further developed to assist forces to procure replacement radio systems, either locally or regionally.

Mr. Beith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans there are for other emergency services to be included in negotiations on the introduction of the Public Safety Radio Communications Project. [75704]

Mr. Boateng

The Police Information Technology Organisation are negotiating with British Telecom about the introduction of the Public Safety Radio Communications service for the police. They are keeping potential sharers of the service informed of developments.