§ Mr. Malcom BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding is presently committed from his departmental budget for(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000 to resolve the year 2000 computer problem; and if he will make a statement. [11890]
§ Mr. StrawEach business area within the Home Office is responsible for ensuring that computer systems in their area are year 2000 compliant. The Department is following guidance published by the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency. The business areas are currently preparing costed plans for this work and these plans should be completed by end of October this year, which is the target date recommended by the central information technology unit. Until these costed plans are available, it is not possible to estimate the cost of year 2000 remedial work and at this stage no funds are committed. The business areas are aware that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has said that costs will have to be met from existing public expenditure survey provision.