HC Deb 30 October 1996 vol 284 cc150-1W
Mr. David Atkinson

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is his Department's estimate of the cost to business to enable computer systems to be millennium compliant. [451]

Mr. Ian Taylor

I have made no such estimate. The figure will be more substantial the later industry leaves its remedial action plan.

Mr. Atkinson

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the progress report made to him in September of the joint task force referred to in his answer of 24 July 1996,Official Report, column 476, on the effect of the century date change of computer systems. [1134]

Mr. Taylor

The task force has made good progress towards its objective of achieving 100 per cent. awareness and commitment from main board level executives by end March 1997. The issue is receiving considerable attention from the news media but there is still considerable work to be done ensuring all firms check their systems and take the necessary action soon. The CBI and some trade associations are actively involved in alerting their members.