HC Deb 21 May 2002 vol 386 cc282-3W
Mr. Wyatt

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, how much money additional to that already committed the Libra IT system will require before it is operational. [55282]

Mr. Wills

The Office Infrastructure has operated since October 2000 and is now in use in more than 70 per cent. of the magistrates court offices. The software application was not delivered on the planned date of July 2001. The contract is currently under renegotiation and it is not yet possible to indicate the outcome.

Mr. Wyatt

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what contractual obligations there are in the Libra IT deal with Fujitsu that would require it to fund an overspend. [55284]

Mr. Wills

There is no obligation within the current contract with Fujitsu Services that would require the Department to fund an overspend.

Mr. Wyatt

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if his Department recommended Fujitsu for the Libra IT deal. [55285]

Mr. Wills

Fujitsu (then ICL) were selected through a formal evaluation, which conformed to procurement laws and guidelines. The evaluation was carried out by staff from LCD and the magistrates court service supported by independent advisers.

Mr. Wyatt

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he expects the Libra IT system to be up and running; and if he will make a statement. [55281]

Mr. Wills

The Libra IT system consists of two elements. The office infrastructure has been progressively installed and used across the country since late 2000 and is now more than 70 per cent. complete. The software application was due to begin rollout in July 2001 but was delayed. We are currently in negotiation with the suppliers, Fujitsu Services about this matter.

Mr. Wyatt

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many computer companies hid for the Libra contract in 1997. [55283]

Mr. Wills

Two companies went forward to the final stage of the competition in 1997 for Libra but one withdrew at a late stage and only one formal hid was received.

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