§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many computers were replaced in his Department in each of the past three years; how the replaced units were disposed of and by which companies; and at what cost. [60744]
§ Malcolm WicksThe Department for Work and Pensions is a new Department formed in June 2001. The new Department encompasses the former DSS (and its Executive Agencies) and the former Employment Service (ES). While the new Department is currently converging the IT infrastructure of these two former Departments, the information requested is shown against the relevant Department which originally purchased the equipment.
93WEmployment Service (ES)
On 1 August 1998 the Employment Service (ES) entered into a partnership agreement with EDS (Electronic Data Systems) for provision of all IT and Telephony services. This included the replacement of 41,000 desktop computers during the period October 2000 to March 2002. The replaced units were donated by EDS to Paces, a charitable organisation based in Sheffield. The cost of disposal cannot be separately identified as this formed an integral part of a commercial agreement to provide new equipment.
Department of Social Security (DSS)
As part of the Government's modernisation agenda, the Early Office Infrastructure (EOI) Project is currently in the process of implementing in excess of 100,000 PCs across the former DSS estate. The vast majority of computers being provided are replacing dumb terminals with no commercial value. Rollout of computers commenced in August 2001 and is due to be complete by December 2002. Approximately 60,000 computers have been deployed in this period. Disposal of IT equipment is handled by the Ministry of Defence Disposal Services Agency.
Prior to the commencement of the EOI Project, ICL Multi-Vendor Computing disposed of computers in the former DSS. The contract allowed ICL to dispose of Computers at no cost to the Department, unless the contractor could demonstrate that the cost of disposal exceeded revenue generated by resale. Details of computers purchased in this period are shown in the table:
Year 1999–2000 20,270 2000–01 5,825 2001–02 3,748