Expenditure was incurred in the following areas in 1990: computer equipment, including the purchase of new computers, maintenance of existing equipment and computer consumables; photocopying equipment, including the purchase of new copiers, copy charges and maintenance costs; purchase of non-computer office equipment, together with maintenance charges and supplies; and printing, binding and stationery services.
The increase in the 1990 provisional outturn — £732,000 — compared to the original provision — £590,000 — was mainly due to the transfer of responsibility for the cost of printing, publications, stationery, etc. from the Government Supplies Agency to the Department.
The increase in the 1991 Estimate — £900,000 — over the 1990 provisional outturn allows for further computerisation of the Department and special printing needs.