Written question asked by Lynne Jones (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 November 2005. It was answered by Anne McGuire (Labour) on Monday, 14 November 2005 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Sema/Atos Origin

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assets were transferred to Sema/Atos Origin in the 1998 Benefits Agency Medical Services Contract; whether (a) offices and (b) other premises were transferred assets in that contract; and what assets were transferred to Atos Origin in the 2005 Benefits Agency Medical Services Contract.

Answer: Under the terms of the 1998 outsourcing contract all assets previously owned and used by Benefits Agency to deliver the medical services were offered to Sema (now Atos Origin) as the successful bidder for purchase.Sema purchased assets that included all office furniture, IT hardware and office and medical equipment located in Medical Services Centres and Medical Service Examinations Centres located throughout the country.A contractual provision was made for Sema to use existing DWP and other Government Department premises to deliver the medical services. Sema/ Atos Origin occupy these premises under a formal lease arrangement.In 2005 there was no transfer of assets from the Department to Atos Origin under the Medical Services Agreement.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 24943; 439 c1010-1W;439 c1010-1W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Contracts Assets Buildings Benefits Agency Medical Service Atos Origin
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk