To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department and its agencies have spent on computer consultancy in each of the last five years and what is the expected expenditure over the next five years.

[holding answer 12 July 1995]: The total expenditure on computer consultancy by the Department and its agencies in each of the last five years was:

• 1990–91: £10.25 million
• 1991–92: £12.57 million
• 1992–93: £13.65 million
• 1993–94: £13.25 million
• 1994–95: £14.51 million

Expenditure over the next five years will depend on future requirements and the outcome of a market-testing exercise presently being undertaken by the Department.