HC Deb 21 July 1997 vol 298 cc474-5W
Mr. David Atkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on her Department's timetable for dealing with the year 2000 computer problem; who is in charge of the project; how many staff are working on it; what is the proected cost of resolving the problem; and whether the project is on schedule. [7135]

Mr. Keith Bradley

The central information and technology unit, CITU, through its agent the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency, CCTA, has set a model timetable and framework for Government Departments to follow to ensure that business-critical systems are year 2000 compliant and thoroughly tested well in advance of 2000. The Department is on course to meet this timetable.

The Department of Social Security has established a year 2000 project led by the Information Technology Services Agency, ITSA, to co-ordinate the extensive activity across DSS. An ITSA director, reporting to the chief executive, leads the work. There is a project manager and a core team of five staff to take the project forward within the CCTA-approved framework. In addition, each business unit has appointed co-ordinators and staff to work with the project which is working within the CCTA-approved framework for managing IT projects. The departmental board, chaired by the permanent secretary, is receiving regular reports on progress.

The project is on schedule. The Department's main computer systems have now been fully analysed for year 2000 compliance and plans to complete the necessary changes are being implemented. All the major benefit and recording computer systems supporting the day-to-day delivery of social security will be amended by the end of 1998 to permit a full year's processing before 2000. Like any large organisation, the Department also makes full use of a wide range of personal computers and commercial software packages. We are working closely with external suppliers to assess the year 2000 compliance of these products and other non-IT areas.

The total projected cost to the Department has been estimated at £30 million. A further review is to be carried out at the end of August 1997 to enable updated, costed plans to be produced in October.