§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on his recent meeting with leaders of industry to discuss the effect of the century date change on computer systems. [37491]
§ Mr. Ian TaylorI held a meeting on 9 July with representatives of industry and the Bank of England to discuss the impact of the century date change on computer systems in the private sector. The common assessment was that the problem was serious and that reaction by senior management was inadequate. Many companies are not aware of the issue. Others are aware but have yet to audit their own systems, or to tackle the problem with the necessary urgency. Those who are furthest advanced in taking action are reporting very significant costs to put it right.
I therefore asked the Confederation of British Industry, representing users, and the Computer Services and Software Association, representing suppliers, to set up a joint task force to take stock of activities already under way, and to co-ordinate action across the UK. The objectives are to ensure that senior management in all companies are aware of the issue and that they have access to appropriate help. The Federation of the Electronic Industry will support the task force, the DTI will work closely with it and links will be made with the 477W central IT unit and CCTA to share experience and address issues across the public/private sector boundary. The task force will report on progress in September.