§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many laptop computers were used by(a) Ministers and special advisers and (b) officials in his Department in each year since 1995; how many were (i) lost and (ii) stolen; what their cost was; and if he will make a statement. [97499]
§ Mr. LammyThe Department does not retain detailed, historical records of laptop ownership and is therefore not able to provide the information requested. Information is only available for the current financial year, 2002–2003.
Ministers have one laptop each. Special advisers have one laptop each and there are approximately 2000 laptops in use by officials of the Department; a number of which are shared or 'pooled' laptops, used by a number of staff.
31WThe Department takes the protection of its assets very seriously and its security policy and procedures are under constant review to find ways to reduce losses.
Figures for the numbers and cost of laptop computers lost or stolen belonging to the Department or its Executive Agencies covering financial years' 1995–96 to 2002–2003 are shown in the table.
Financial year Lost/stolen Cost (£) 1995–96 12 27,035,90 1996–97 18 29,277,45 1997–98 23 43,098,68 1998–99 19 40,068,70 1999–2000 18 36,260.35 2000–01 23 46,917.62 2001–02 35 62,275.69 2002 to date 26 40,997.26 Total 174 325,931.65