§ Mr. Peter DuncanTo ask the President of the Council, what has been the average time taken to(a) deliver and (b) install standard computer equipment to hon. Members' offices in (i) the House of Commons and (ii) constituency offices; and if he will make a statement. [22615]
§ Mr. Robin Cook[holding answer 4 December 2001]: On average hon. Members who ordered computer equipment after 15 October had their machines delivered to Westminster within 20 days and installed within 24 days.
In the constituency, the times were 24 days and 28 days respectively. As I explained in response to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Andrew Mackinlay) on 25 October 2001, Official Report, column 323W, delays were mainly caused by the complexity of the distribution exercise, which by the end of the financial year will have involved delivering over 6,000 items to over 1,300 locations. In addition, some hon. Members have asked for a delay in installation for their convenience.
I am delighted to report that delays are now largely eradicated. Hon. Members can now expect to receive their equipment, complete with parliamentary software, as quickly as they would from a major high street retailer. Members who order this week can have both delivery and installation within 15 days if they wish.