§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contingency plans his Department is making in the event of the failure of computer systems to recognise the year 2000; when he expects them to be in place, and tested; and if he will make a statement. [48849]
§ Mr. FatchettThe FCO is replacing its core office automation system with millennium compliant systems. Other non-compliant systems are being corrected or replaced. All FCO business-critical computer systems will be year 2000 compliant by September 1999.
All FCO operational units, both at home and overseas, are being asked to prepare contingency plans for the continuation of business in the event of any internal or external computer system failure. It is intended that these will be in place by 30 June 1999.