HC Deb 02 July 2001 vol 371 c9W
Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the total amount of compensation (1) that he expects to be paid as a result of the problems with the NIRS2 computer system; [360]

(2) that has so far been paid as a result of the problems with the NIRS2 computer system. [359]

Dawn Primarolo

I have been asked to reply.

The delay in the implementation of NIRS2 caused arrears of work in both the Inland Revenue and the then DSS. These arrears are being managed through a recovery plan that has been developed by both Departments and continue to be cleared as quickly as possible. Compensation is being paid as a result of the delays.

Compensation payments to 31 March 2001 total £65.1 million. The estimated compensation costs for 2001ȓ02 cannot yet be quantified.