To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many information technology projects within the responsibility of his Department, its agencies and their predecessors have been cancelled since 1997; what the total cost was of each project at cancellation; and if he will make a statement. (105479)

Since 1997 the Department of Trade and Industry (excluding agencies) has cancelled one significant Information Technology project.

Personnel records system project:

Contracted total cost of project £750,000.

Contract terminated in February 1999.

An estimate of costs was made as part of a settlement agreed with the supplier which is subject to a confidentiality agreement. The release of details related to the agreed settlement would prejudice commercial interests.

We are not able to provide information about the agencies as to do so would incur disproportionate costs.