HC Deb 28 November 1996 vol 286 cc390-1W
Mr. Hoon

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many lines of computer code there are in his Department's computer systems. [5511]

Mr. Jack

The Treasury uses a number of proprietary software packages and for these, information on the number of lines of source code is known only to the supplier. An inventory of bespoke software is being undertaken as part of the Treasury's strategy for dealing with the year 2000 date issue, but the compilation of this inventory is not yet complete.

For programs written by Treasury staff we estimate that there are at present 75,000 lines of code.

There may be a further 100,000 lines contained in programs produced for the Treasury by external suppliers. For most of these programs, the Treasury has no access to the code or has no commitment to maintain them.

We have no information as to how many lines of code are contained in proprietary software such as operating systems, databases or PC packages.

Mr. Hoon

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many separate computer programs his Department operates. [5510]

Mr. Jack

There is no universal definition of what constitutes a computer program. A formula or a simple line of executable code could be said to be a program; however my Department is at present responsible for the following list of major software systems:

Source Category Number of full programs Number of modules/components
Proprietary Systems software 25 —
General central server software 24 —
Office systems 24 —
PARLY.CLERK /packages 32 —
Total 105 —
Bespoke (external) Total 16 325
In-house Total 11 1,166
Total Total 132 1,491

The software has been categorised by its source. Proprietary software covers operating systems such as Windows 95 general software operated off central servers, such as Novell netware; databases; office systems, such as WordPerfect and Excel; and PC packages used by individuals. Bespoke software covers programs produced for the Treasury by external supplies, such as software houses. In-house software includes items produced and/or maintained by Treasury staff.

For bespoke and in-house software we have shown two counts of (a) the applications and (b) the program modules making up those applications.