HC Deb 30 July 1997 vol 299 cc333-4W
Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what funding is presently committed from his departmental budget for(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1992–2000 to resolve the year 2000 computer problem; and whether he will make a statement. [11376]

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

[holding answer 29 July 1997]: A programme of projects and other activities are running within the core DTI which aims to resolve the problems facing its IT systems as a result of the year 2000 date change. The following sums from departmental budgets have been approved to meet the cost of this programme:

  • 1997–98: £1,460,000
  • 1998–99: £986,000
  • 1999–2000: £254,000.

The sum approved for 1999–2000 relates to monitoring activities necessary after the completion of remedial work in April 1999.

The Department's next step agencies have programmes of their own which they are funding.

Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is her estimate of total departmental expenditure on computer-related current and capital work for(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98, (d) 1998–99 and (e) 1999–2000; and if she will make a statement. [11379]

Mr. Griffiths

[holding answer 29 July 1997]: Total estimated expenditure on computer-related work for the years in question by the core DTI, excluding next steps agencies, is as follows:

align="right">£000
Capital Current Total
1995–96 16,269 11,222 27,491
1996–97 15,789 13,032 28,821
1997–98 12,268 13,562 25,830
align="right">£000
Capital Current Total
1998–99 11,777 11,687 23,464
1999–2000 11,703 11,687 23,390

Figures for 1998–99 and 1999–2000 are forecasts, as allocations for these years have not yet been agreed.