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Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Answer

Mr. Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the IT projects currently undertaken in his Department; and if he will state the (a) expected completion date and (b) cost of each project. [151500] Mr. Battle: [holding answer 26 February 2001]: The following IT projects are currently underway: Firecrest We are continuing the deployment of Windows-based Office Automation to all FCO Posts and Departments. The expected completion date is spring 2002. The total cost is £80 million. FTN The provision of a global data and voice network, through a 10-year PFI contract to spring 2010. The roll out is due for completion in spring 2002. The contract value is £165 million. Prism The change programme to deliver improved management of finances and staff resources, through new integrated personnel, finance, payroll and procurement processes. The expected completion date is autumn 2003. We are currently in the procurement phase--financial information is therefore commercially sensitive. Internet project The aim is to provide a new UK portal website, and kiosks overseas, linked to the portal, and upgraded FCO site and Posts' websites. The expected completion date is spring 2003. The present contract value is £6.4 million. There is support from our Capital Modernisation Fund towards full project costs up to £12 million. Entry Clearance system This is to provide a standard entry clearance management system at all entry clearance Posts. We expect this to be completed by autumn 2001. The estimated cost is £1.4 million. Digital Passports system Providing the 12 busiest passport-issuing Posts with machine readable passport equipment and software to enable the production of digital passports. The estimated completion date is summer 2001, at a cost of £2.8 million. Global Consular Database system Providing a global database to meet the rising demand for improved consular services to the public. We expect to complete this by summer 2002. We are currently at the procurement phase--financial information is therefore commercially sensitive.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

151500; 364 c175W

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Software Costs ICT Government departments Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

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