Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 3 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 March 2004. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Monday, 8 March 2004 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the (a) expected in-service delivery date and (b) cost of the computerised MOT test were when the contract was let; and what they are expected to be now.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the (a) expected in-service delivery date and (b) cost of the computerised MOT test were when the contract was let; and what they are expected to be now. [159594] Mr. Jamieson: The information is as follows: (a) in the original contract the expected start of roll- out date for the computerised service was May 2002 at a transaction charge per recorded test of £1.07. (b) the current contract stipulates that roll-out of the service should have started by mid-February 2004 with no increase in transaction charge. The start of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency's (VOSA) testing has been delayed following slippage in SBS Software and an independent review of progress has recommended changes to plans to reduce risk and allow for additional testing. In the light of the review team's recommendations VOSA are discussing a revised programme with SBS. Discussions are not yet complete--but on current expectations the service is unlikely to be rolled out until late 2004.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 159594; 418 c1237W;418 c1237-8W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Costs Computers Certification ICT Motor vehicles Private finance initiative Testing Siemens Business Services
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk