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Home Office

Answer

Mr. Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he will roll out a further version of the CRAMS, to be known as 4.6.1, for the Probation Service in England and Wales; [123594] (2) how the proposed probation IT system Copernicus differs from the existing system, known as CRAMS; and if he will make a statement; [123590] (3) when Bull Information Systems will set up a Helpdesk to deal with user problems with Probation Service IT; what is the cost of the contract providing this service; and if he will make a statement; [123596] (4) if he will list the errors and user difficulties which are currently identified in the Case Recording and Management System for the Probation Service in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement; [123592] (5) if the new version of CRAMS will be accompanied by release notes and acceptance certificates; [123595] (6) if Bull Information Systems have been given a new contract to maintain and correct faults contained in the Case Recording and Management System for the Probation Service in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement; [123591] (7) how many faults have been identified in the Case Recording and Management System version 4.6 for the Probation Service in England and Wales; how those faults are being prioritised; and if he will make a statement. [123593] Mr. Boateng: Bull provides support and maintenance of the Probation Service infrastructure. A replacement contract has recently consolidated a number of previously separate contracts. This does not extend the lifespan of the Bull contract and there is no new provision. Within the overall support and maintenance arrangements, there is a process in place for users to bring problems to the attention of Bull and the Probation Unit via a Helpdesk. We keep the overall position, including priorities for action under constant review. It would not be appropriate to list specific issues as these are commercial in confidence. The existing version of CRAMS in use by Services is 4.6.1. There are no plans for further versions of CRAMS. However, outstanding user issues are considered for inclusion in planned maintenance releases of CRAMS. The next is being planned for late summer. This will be known as release 4.7. Planned maintenance releases of CRAMS are quality assured and accepted before release. Release notes will accompany the release planned for late summer. The Copernicus system is being designed to meet the future needs of Probation Service staff. It will replace CRAMS and be designed specifically to support National Standards and performance management. Details of costs are commercial in confidence and, therefore, cannot be disclosed.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

350 c623-4W;350 c625-6W; 123594;123590;123596;123592;123595;123591;123593

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Software ICT Probation Bull Information Systems

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk