Written question asked by Margaret Ewing (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 7 July 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 July 1999. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 July 1999 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his Answer to the honourable Member for Perth of 6th July 1999 at 334 c506-7, if his estimate assumed that (a) a separate Scottish system would require the provision of new buildings or (b) a separate Scottish system would be denied access to existing computer systems; and if he will make a statement. - Includes figure.

Answer: Mrs. Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Perth (Ms Cunningham) of 6 July 1999, Official Report, columns 506-07, if his estimate assumed that (a) a separate Scottish system would require the provision of new buildings or (b) a separate Scottish system would be denied access to existing computer systems; and if he will make a statement. [90926] Mr. Timms: 6No detailed assessment has been made of the costs of administering the Social Security system separately in Scotland. The estimate of £600 million in my previous reply, 6 July 1999, Official Report, columns 506-07, was based on assumptions which were made about the apportionment of the Department's central and fixed costs which include these elements.

Secondary information