§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of(a) the current total cost to the Exchequer and (b) the final total cost to the Exchequer of the problems associated with the NIRS2 computer system.[125632]
§ Dawn Primarolo[holding answer 13 June 2000]: The problems associated with the delayed implementation of the NIRS2 system during 1997–98 have resulted in compensation payments being made by the Inland Revenue and DSS to pension providers and benefit recipients. The total paid so far by the Revenue to pension providers is £46.2 million. The total paid by the DSS to benefit recipients is £2.6 million.
It is not possible at this stage to estimate the total amounts that will become payable. All costs relating to the correcting of problems with the NIRS2 system itself have been met by Andersen Consulting.