Written question asked by Rhodri Morgan (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 7 February 1997. It was answered by Lord Hague of Richmond (Conservative) on Friday, 7 February 1997 on behalf of the Welsh Office.

Welsh Office

Question: If part of his Department's computer (a) hardware and (b) software systems was transferred to the OSIRIS project and its private owners; and what policy his Department agreed with the company installing OSIRIS under the Private Finance Initiative as to (i) the disposal of redundant computer hardware and software systems and (ii) the transfer of Intellectual Property Rights.

Answer: Mr. Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if part of his Department's computer (a) hardware and (b) software systems was transferred to the Osiris project and its private owners; and what policy his Department agreed with the company installing Osiris under the private finance initiative as to (i) the disposal of redundant computer hardware and software systems and (ii) the transfer of intellectual property rights. [14349] Mr. Hague: Ownership of part of my Department's computer hardware passed to Siemens Business Services under the Osiris contract. There was no transfer of ownership for software systems. Siemens Business Services is required under the contract to remove unwanted equipment with minimum disruption and to meet the Department's security requirements for equipment no longer in use. As no software systems were transferred the question of the transfer of intellectual property rights does not arise.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 14349; 289 c757-8W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Software Computers ICT Intellectual property Private finance initiative Welsh Office