HC Deb 09 July 1996 vol 281 c119W
Mr. David Atkinson

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the outcome of the discussion on the effect of the century date change on computer systems at the recent meeting of the European Telecommunications Council. [35721]

Mr. Ian Taylor

I raised this problem and described the potentially significant consequences involved in tackling it. Ministers were appraised of the seriousness of the issue. It was agreed that the European Commission should establish an informal task force to consult more widely and report back to the Council of Ministers.

I also refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Beckenham (Mr. Sims) on other issues raised at the Telecommunications Council.