Written question asked by John Pugh (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 24 February 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 March 2004. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Monday, 15 March 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if, prior to placing an order for a bespoke software office suite, the NHS will publish the details and results of the tendering process.

Answer: Dr. Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if, prior to placing an order for a bespoke software office suite, the NHS will publish the details and results of the tendering process. [156896] Mr. Hutton: The Official Journal of the European Community notice on the national programme for information technology (NPfIT) in the National Health Service was published at the beginning of February 2003. This has led to a range of applications and software that will now be provided by the local service providers and contractors recently appointed by the NPfIT. There are also existing suppliers of software to the NHS covered by framework agreements and licensing arrangements. Developments and renegotiations for the framework agreements may be required over time.

Secondary information