§ Dr. StoateTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to ensure that the computer systems in use by the Kent Fire Brigade are millennium compliant and that emergency services will not be affected on 1 January 2000. [89186]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe millennium preparedness of all fire brigades in England and Wales is subject to independent assessment by Her Majesty's Fire Service Inspectorate. The results, together with independent assessments of the millennium preparedness of the other emergency services and other key sectors of the national infrastructure, were reported to the Action 2000 National Infrastructure Forum on 21 April. Her Majesty's Inspectorate reported then that they expected all fire brigades in England and Wales to be fully prepared by September at the latest. That remains the case. The latest state of preparedness of each fire brigade will be reported at the next National Infrastructure Forum on 13 July, following which, I will forward further details to my hon. Friend.
§ Dr. StoateTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to ensure that the computer systems in use by the Kent Police are millennium compliant and that law enforcement activities will not be affected on 1 January 2000. [89187]
§ Mr. BoatengIt is important that all police forces in England and Wales take every measure to ensure year 2000 compliance. The Home Office has commissioned an Independent Assessment of all forces, including Kent, by 329W Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary. The results of this survey will be published at the National Infrastructure Forum on 13 July.