asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will announce the outcome of the Prison Service's Quantum project. [HL1414]

My right honourable friend the Minister of State at the Home Office, Mr Boateng, announced in another place (House of Commons Official Report, cols. 139–40W, on 14 December), that Martin Narey, the Director General of the Prison Service, had selected Electronic Data Systems (EDS) as the preferred supplier for the Quantum project and that negotiations would be held with a view to award of contract. My right honourable friend the Minister of State at the Home Office, Mr Boateng, is pleased to say that the preferred supplier negotiations with EDS have concluded successfully. Martin Narey has decided to award a contract to EDS for the provision of Information Technology services for the Prison Service.