To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many computer management and consultancy contracts were awarded by his Department in 1991, excluding hardware and software purchases; if he will give the total value of these contracts; how many contracts were subject to competitive tender; and if he will give the value of these contracts.

Since January 1991 we have awarded 19 such contracts, excluding hardware and software purchases. The total value of the contracts is about £20 million. Eleven were let by competitive tender; the total value of these is about £13·5 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the names of the companies shortlisted for each computer management and computer consultancy contract awarded by his Department in 1991, excluding hardware and software purchases.

Details of companies shortlisted for computer management and consultancy contracts represents commercial-in-confidence information.