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Written question asked by Lord Field of Birkenhead (Labour) on Thursday, 15 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 March 2001. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 March 2001 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will list the IT projects his Department plans to undertake in the next year; and if he will state in each case the (a) expected date of commencement and completion and (b) cost. - Inc figure. (Holding answer 26 February 2001).
Answer

Mr. Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the IT projects his Department plans to undertake in the next year; and if he will state in each case the (a) expected date of commencement and completion and (b) cost. [151477] Mr. Battle: [holding answer 26 February 2001]: The following projects are being planned: Confidential Firecrest A confidential version of the FCO's Windows Office system. Starting Spring 2001. Completion planned end 2002. High-classification networks A separate network to handle material classified higher than Confidential, where possible making appropriate use of the FCO's FIRECREST/FTN infrastructure. Starting Summer 2001. Completion anticipated Spring 2002. Firecrest future options Technology refresh and new support arrangements for the FCO's Window Office system. Detailed project planning starting Spring 2002. Contract anticipated from late 2001-early 2003. Entry Clearance Modernisation The Joint Entry Clearance Unit has applied for Capital Modernisation Funding for the modernisation of entry clearance at Posts and links to the Home Office's systems. Completion anticipated in 2004. Visa Warnings Index The current warnings index system at overseas Posts is reaching the end of its supportable life. Options are being explored. Starting Spring 2001. Completion spring 2002. Digital Passports The delivery of digital passport systems to other passport issuing Posts, beyond the top 12 which are being equipped by an existing project. Beginning Summer 2001. Completion Summer 2004. Consular Contact Centre An out-of-hours contact facility for British nationals overseas. No firm time-scales yet. No firm commitment has been made by the FCO to proceed with the above projects yet. Timings represent current projections only.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
151477; 364 c175-6W
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