Written question asked by John McDonnell (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 July 2002. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Monday, 22 July 2002 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the financial position of Bull/Integris was taken into account before the Standard Technical Environment for the Probation Service contract was let on 1st January.

Answer: John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the financial position of Bull/Integris was taken into account before the standard technical environment for the Probation Service contract was let on 1 January. [65420] Hilary Benn: The National Probation Directorate commissioned the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) to assess the financial position of Groupe Bull and its subsidiary Bull Information Systems (including the business division Integris) prior to the shortlisting of service providers for the STEPS contracts. After shortlisting and prior to award of the STEPS contracts, the National Probation Directorate commissioned a firm of forensic accountants to evaluate the financial risks regarding the sale of Integris by Bull Information Systems to Steria. On-going financial checks will be carried out on Integris (now renamed as Steria following the change of ownership) throughout the life of the STEPS contracts.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 65420; 389 c845-6W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Contracts Finance ICT Probation National Probation Service for England and Wales Bull Information Systems
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk