§ Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect 3COM' s announcement that they are to quit the high-end networking market will have on his Department and the Inland Revenue's existing and planned computer systems. [R] [117621]
§ Mr. Timms[holding answer 4 April 2000]: The Office of Government Commerce and the Debt Management Office have purchased 3COM components through standard procurement channels. In the event of their failure alternatives from other suppliers are readily available. Neither the rest of the Treasury nor the Inland Revenue use high-end networking equipment from 3COM, and so their departure from this market will have no effect upon existing computer systems, or those that are being planned.