HC Deb 04 December 1997 vol 302 cc324-5W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on what date the Government decided to purchase or lease millennium-compliant computer systems; and when that decision was implemented. [18722]

Dr. David Clark

The Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) provides model contract clauses for Departments and agencies to use when purchasing computer equipment and services.

In September 1996, revised Model Agreements were produced by the CCTA containing a clause on millennium compliance in each model contract, for immediate adoption.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list those(a) Government Departments and (b) sections of Departments which will not be millennium compliant by 30 June 1999. [19198]

Dr. David Clark

According to plans submitted by Departments and agencies, Central Government business critical systems will be millennium compliant well before the end of 1999. The only such organisations not to specify a completion date before 30 June 1999 were:

  • Foreign and Commonwealth Office: (September 1999)
  • Historic Royal Palaces: (August 1999)
  • Royal Mint: (Well before the end of 1999)
  • Valuation Office: (End of 1999)

A number of the plans received also indicate that PC replacement plans may run into late 1999.

Further information can be gained from the plans, which are accessible via the Internet at: (http://www.open.gov.uk/citu/cituhome.htm).

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what estimate he has made of the number of IT specialists who will be required by Government Departments to complete millennium compliance; and which Government Departments have indicated that they have shortages of IT skilled personnel to complete millennium compliance. [19199]

Dr. David Clarke

Government Departments have submitted their plans for achieving millennium compliance for their computer systems, and those are available in the Libraries of the House and on the Internet.

I have written to colleagues asking them to specifically address the skills issue and requesting further information before the end of the month.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which Government Departments are now dealing with(a) non-governmental organisations and (b) suppliers which are not millennium compliant; and in each case at what date they will cease to deal with (a) and (b). [19200]

Dr. David Clark

The Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency in my Department has published detailed guidance on the action needed to deal with the Year 2000 date change problem. It is for individual departments and agencies, on a case by case basis, to manage their dealings with external organisations, having regard to the guidance.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what contingency plans he has established against failures in millennium compliance in Government Departments. [19196]

Dr. David Clark

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Atkinson) on 1 December 1997,Official Report, column 3.