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Health Authorities (Computers)

Volume 116: debated on Friday 15 May 1987

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asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will call for a report from the chairman of Wessex regional health authority on the fulfilment of contractual obligations by Technicon since 1979; and if he will make a statement.

[pursuant to his reply, 12 January 1987,c. 112–13]: The chairman of the Wessex regional health authority is not in a position to report on all of Technicon's business activities since 1979.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his replies to the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras (Mr. Dobson), Official Report, 8 December 1986, column 71, and 15 December 1986, column 421, on what basis and by whom the tendering companies for the Wessex regional health authority computer contract were selected; what was the nature and extent of the advice sought from PACTEL on this matter; and if he will make a statement.

[pursuant to his reply, 12 January 1987, c. 112–13]: I understand from the regional health authority that the tendering companies were selected under the EC-GATT arrangements. All companies expressing an interest were asked to respond to a requirement synopsis and were subsequently shortlisted against approximately 20 predetermined criteria. Shortlisting was undertaken by selection panels appointed by the authority's information committee.PACTEL was involved in assisting the authority by:

(a) drafting synopses and invitations to tender against which suppliers' responses were solicited; (b) advising selection panels; (c) carrying out technical assessments, and (d) advising on contractual processes.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras (Mr. Dobson), Official Report, 8 December 1986, column 72, if he will ask the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency to undertake the revision of his Department's guidance to regional health authorities on computer procurement; and if he will make a statement.

[pursuant to his reply, 12 January 1987, c. 112–13]: The Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency has no responsibility for the National Health Service and it would be inappropriate for that agency to revise any NHS procedures. The guidance which I referred to in my reply to the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras closely accords with the agency's guidance to Government Departments.