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Welsh Office

Answer

Mr. Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answers of 7 February, Official Report, column 757, what consultations he had with (a) education institutions and (b) training and enterprise councils before the decision to dispose of his Department's computer hardware stock via Siemens Business Services. [15691] Mr. Hague: None. Some of the equipment is in use within the Welsh Office and will remain so, managed under the Osiris contract. The majority of the personal computers are obsolete, and it would be difficult or impossible to maintain them. The equipment does not belong to the Welsh Office: the transfer of assets formed part of the Osiris contract and was reflected in the pricing structure of the contract. Siemens Business Services and the Welsh Office have a joint review process to make sure that the more recent equipment will be redeployed in the most cost-effective way, taking account of the constraints of existing software licences and of security issues. Where possible, Siemens Business Services will use the present computer hardware and peripherals as part of, or in support of the Osiris system. Where this is not possible, the equipment wil be made secure for disposal: this entails removing all hard disk drives and software. Any subsequent user would have to purchase new items to replace these. The method of disposal will depend upon the type and age of the equipment, but might include transfer to educational or training bodies where appropriate.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

15691; 290 c293-4W

Session

1996-97

Subjects

Software Computers Government departments Welsh Office Siemens Business Services