§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many computers were replaced 521W in her Department in each of the past three years; how the replaced units were disposed of and by which companies; and at what cost. [60738]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisThe number of computers replaced in each of the past three years by the Department for Education and Employment (until June 2001) and the Department for Education and Skills (from June 2001 onwards) was:
Date Number April 1999–March 2000 1,250 April 2000–March 2001 3,155 April 2001–March 2002 2,542 The Department's policy is to give suitable computer equipment to non-profit organisations active in education, training and employment and to dispose of other computer equipment by auction. Over the three years 3,500 computers were provided to schools and other non-profit making organisations.
Two companies, London Computer Auctions (until July 2000) and Northern Realisations, have handled the transfer to non-profit organisations, making a small charge to cover their costs. They have also handled the auction sales.
The cost to the Department over the three years was about £30,000.