HC Deb 22 December 1997 vol 303 cc507-8W
Mr. Steen

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she is taking to minimise the effects of the millennium computer compliance problem on businesses. [18643]

Mrs. Roche

[holding answer 4 December 1997]: Private sector businesses are responsible for correcting their own millennium bug problems. However, the Government have been acting in concert with industry organisations to raise awareness of the problem and signpost solutions. On 29 September, the President of the Board of Trade announced a new initiative, Action 2000, to spur industry into tackling the problem. Action 2000 will focus on what businesses need to do to fix their systems. On 28 October I announced that Don Cruickshank would be Action 2000 Chairman. The Terms of Reference of Action 2000 were outlined in my reply to the hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs. May) on 17 November 1997, Official Report, columns,50–51.

Mr. David Atkinson

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on progress in establishing Action 2000. [20803]

Mrs. Roche

Don Cruickshank, the Chairman of Action 2000, has appointed an acting Director to assist him and they are working actively with the Department, and with several other organisations to develop a range of activities to help businesses tackle the problem. Contracts have been placed with professional organisations to recruit full-time staff; to research industry's progress, developing a better understanding of what is inhibiting its progress; and to help devise a strategy for effectively communicating the messages and the help which will be available to businesses.

Mr. Redwood

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many staff are working on millennium computer compliance at her Department(a) for her Department's systems and (b) to educate business. [20917]

Mrs. Beckett

[holding answer 15 December 1997]: (a) The resources devoted to the millennium compliance of the core Department's own system are subject to regular change as individual projects start and conclude. Currently, approximately 23 staff from private sector contractors and three in-house staff are engaged on such work.

(b) The number of staff involved in helping to establish the Department's Action 2000 initiative in partnership with industry to support UK businesses is four full time officials and one consultant.

Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what proportion of the public sector she estimates will be fully millennium computer compliant by 31 December 1999; and if she will make a statement; [21498]

(2) if she will make a single Minister responsible for ensuring public sector millennium computer compliance, across all public sector bodies; and if she will make a statement. [21499]

Mrs. Beckett

[holding answer 18 December 1997]: The responsibility within Government for ensuring that the public sector takes action to avoid problems arising from the millennium date change rests with the Secretary of State concerned. The Group which I chair will bring together Ministers from the key departments to ensure that the action is properly co-ordinated.