The head of Fujitsu’s UK operations is set to be summoned before MPs as pressure intensifies on the firm to contribute hundreds of millions of pounds towards compensating victims of the Horizon scandal.
Paul Patterson, the head of Fujitsu’s UK operations, will face questioning from parliamentarians in the new year over the company’s role in the long-running Post Office IT failure.
Sky News has reported that Mr Patterson, who is a director at Fujitsu Services, will appear before the Commons business and trade select committee on January 6.
The hearing is expected to focus on ongoing negotiations with ministers over a substantial financial contribution from Fujitsu towards compensation payments.
Mr Patterson last appeared before the same committee almost two years ago, when MPs questioned the company about its involvement in the Horizon system.
The hearing follows a recent agreement between Fujitsu and the Post Office to extend their existing Horizon supply arrangement.
Fujitsu was responsible for providing the Horizon IT system that was used by the Post Office across the UK.
Faults in the system led to hundreds of sub-postmasters being wrongly accused and prosecuted for fraud and theft.
Many sub-postmasters were convicted on the basis of Horizon data, despite later findings that the system contained serious flaws.
Fujitsu UK boss to face MPs over Horizon compensation
|
GETTY
The scandal has been described as one of the most serious miscarriages of justice in British legal history.
Fujitsu has repeatedly acknowledged that it should shoulder part of the financial burden of compensating those affected.
However, the size and timing of any payment from the company have yet to be agreed.
Sir Wyn Williams’s public inquiry into the Horizon scandal is now approaching its final stages.
The inquiry has examined the role of the Post Office, Fujitsu and Government departments in the development and operation of the system.
Its final report is expected to set out conclusions that could pave the way for a settlement on Fujitsu’s contribution to compensation.
The scandal affected sub-postmasters who were wrongly blamed for the IT failure
|
GETTY
Government officials have previously indicated that they expect Fujitsu to make a meaningful financial contribution.
A Fujitsu spokesperson said: “We remain committed to providing our full cooperation to the Inquiry as Sir Wyn prepares his final report, and we are engaged with Government regarding Fujitsu’s contribution to compensation”.
They said the company continues to work with ministers as discussions progress.
Under a separate agreement, the Government-owned Post Office will pay Fujitsu an additional £41million to continue using the Horizon system.
The extension will run from April until March 31, 2027.
Once the contract expires, the Post Office is expected to move to a new IT supplier.
The Horizon system was first rolled out in 1999.
This means the system will likely have been in use for close to three decades before it is finally replaced.
Critics have questioned why the system has remained in operation for so long given its central role in the scandal.
The Post Office has said the extension is necessary to ensure continuity of services while a replacement system is developed.
Sir Alan Bates has been a leading voice for sub-postmasters in their pursuit of justice
|
GETTY
The business and trade select committee has been closely monitoring developments related to Horizon compensation.
MPs on the committee have previously called for greater transparency from Fujitsu over its role in the affair.
The January session is expected to renew focus on when victims will receive full compensation and who will ultimately pay for it.
The business and trade committee have been contacted for comment.
