To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for what reasons estimates of the cost of the FiReControl Project have varied between October 2005 and December 2007; and if she will make a statement. (186132)

The October 2005 cost estimate is taken from an options analysis which preceded the establishment of the FiReControl project. We have fully defined the business requirements and have a more detailed understanding of the solution and how it will be delivered. For example, lease agreements have been signed for the nine regional control buildings and the national IT infrastructures services contract has been awarded. Furthermore, there has been price inflation of around 10 per cent. since the options analysis was published in 2003.