§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions she, other Ministers, and officials of her Department have had with(a) British Energy, (b) BNFL and (c) the UK Atomic Energy Authority in respect of the year 2000 millennium compliance of their computer systems. [45517]
§ Mr. BattleMinisters and officials are in regular contact with British Energy, BNFL and UKAEA. Officials have raised with them the actions they are taking to address the potential impact of the century date change on their computer systems. All nuclear operators have 243W major programmes of work underway to address the matter, and are working in close co-operation with the relevant safety, security and environment regulators. I understand that all essential work is due to be completed by the end of April 1999. Through a specially formed liaison group involving all civil nuclear site licensees and the independent nuclear safety regulator, the Health and Safety Executive, the nuclear industry is exchanging information on the issue and trying to ensure the adoption of best practice in addressing it.