The deal between the Department of Health and CSC concerning the National Programme for IT which was due to be signed by the end of March, is still yet to be finalised.

This delay is yet another setback for the National Programme for IT plan which has been blighted with delays and missed deadlines since its inception.

According to stock market documents filed in the US: "Progress continues; however, discussions on the interim agreement have not yet concluded and are still on-going at this time."

The filing notes that this means Lorenzo implementations remains at a standstill through until 1 June at the earliest. CSC also reminds investors yet again that there is no guarantee that an interim deal with the NHS will be struck.