§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of how many computer systems will be made redundant by the century date change; if she has had discussions and issued guidelines on arrangements for their disposal or redeployment; and if she will make a statement. [17427]
§ Mrs. RocheI have made no assessment and issued no guidelines. I understand that relatively few systems will be made redundant. Most affected systems can be upgraded, some by reworking existing software or electronic components and others by replacing inadequate software or components.
Action 2000, the new initiative set up by this Government and chaired by Don Cruickshank, Director General of OFTEL, will be signposting business to information to help them address such issues.