HC Deb 30 October 1996 vol 284 cc647-8
13. Mr. David Atkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will study the consequences for his Department of the effect of the century date change on computer systems; and if he will make a statement. [696]

Mr. Hanley

While we are in congratulatory mode, I should congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox), the Under-Secretary of State, as this is his first Question Time for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. I regret that he has had no questions to answer and I should be grateful if hon. Members would give him plenty of work next month.

In reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Atkinson), the FCO diplomatic wing has completed an initial study which shows that 60 per cent. of FCO software applications will be affected in some way. Further study is taking place to determine the risks and costs. Remedial action will then be taken. The Overseas Development Administration is taking similar action.

Mr. Atkinson

Does my right hon. Friend agree that our future security, and that of our allies, relies on all our computer systems being millennium compliant? Will he confirm that this country is well ahead of many other countries in responding to the 2000 virus and can he say what discussions he is having with our allies to ensure that they are doing the same?

Mr. Hanley

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising the subject. It is important that not only the FCO but all Government Departments should heed his warnings. I can confirm that the Foreign Office is well ahead in its programme to try to ensure that we are fully resilient to the 2000 problem by no later than 31 March 1999. We are also working closely with other countries on that issue.