§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on his Department's timetable for dealing with the Year 2000 Computer Problem; who is in charge of the project; how many staff are working on it; what is the projected cost of resolving the problem; and whether the project is on schedule. [7143]
§ Mr. HoonI take a close personal interest in the progress of the Year 2000 Compliance Projects within the Department and the Agencies and Associated Departments which report to the Lord Chancellor. Senior officials within each organisation have day to day responsibility for the successful resolution of the Year 2000 problem and mechanisms are in place to ensure regular progress reports are submitted to me.
Each organisation's Year 2000 Project follows the comprehensive guidance issued by the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency. All are on target to reach the two remaining key milestones set by CCTA and the Central IT Unit: the delivery of prioritised and fully costed plans to CCTA by October 1997 and the completion of modification and testing of all systems by 31 December 1998. Figures for the cost of resolving the Year 2000 problem will, therefore, be available in October. The plans will also detail the managerial, technical and business resources required to achieve compliance. My officials are well aware of the need to develop cost effective solutions met from existing provision.
The Chief Land Registrar will be replying directly to the Question on behalf of the Land Registry.
624WLetter from Ted Beardsall to Mr. David Atkinson, dated 10 July 1997:
In the absence of the Chief Executive I am replying to your recent question concerning the Year 2000 Computer Problem.The Land Registry set up a project team, led by a senior IT specialist reporting to the Agency Management Board, early in 1996 to identify potential problems and manage any necessary changes. This team has completed an investigation in respect of mainframe software which has indicated that 3% may require attention. Further investigations are also being carried out on the smaller PC based systems and software.The staff resource allocated to the project represents 45 man years and will involve a number of IT specialist staff at different times in their own areas of expertise. The project costs have been estimated to be in the region of £1.3 million. The cost of preventative and remedial action will be met from the Agency Trading Fund.A project plan has been drawn up and the Land Registry is on target to achieve the milestone set by CITU that all systems will be millennium compliant by 31st December 1998.