§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what plans there are to ensure that his Department's computer systems are millennium compliant; and if he will make a statement. [1238]
§ Mr. HoonThe Lord Chancellor's Department, the Court Service, the Public Trust Office, the Public Record Office and the Northern Ireland Court Service have established Year 2000 compliance projects. Their programmes of work follow the recommended approach identified by the Central Information Technology Unit and the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency, recognising their milestones for the completion of key tasks. The Chief Land Registrar will be replying directly to the Question on behalf of the Land Registry.
Letter from Stuart Hill to Mr. Nigel Jones, dated 3 June 1997:
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION-MILLENNIUM COMPLIANCE
I have been asked by the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, to reply to your recent question concerning plans to ensure that the Land Registry's computer systems are millennium compliant.The Registry set up a project early in 1996 to identify potential problems and manage any necessary changes. An investigation has been undertaken in respect of mainframe software to identify all potential problems and the solutions required. The results indicated130W
Scheme Outline business case submitted Outline business case approved Full business case approved Tender accepted Start on site Freeman Pathology Computer Replacement October 1995 January 1996 1— — — Additional Cardiac Catheterisation Lab Suite October 1995 No—January 1996 n/ap — — Reconfiguration of X-ray room 2 October 1995 No—January 1996 1— — — Development of Non-Invasive cardiology facilities October 1995 No—January 1996 n/ap — — Newcastle Strategic Review Fast Track schemes January 1996 February 1996 2— — — Newcastle City Health Improving Old Age Psychiatry Services October 1995 Conditional—February 1996 Awaited — — Kenton Clinic Development October 1995 Conditional—February 1996 — — — Special Care Services October 1995 Conditional—February 1996 — — — North Tyneside Adult Mental Health Services October 1995 No n/ap — — Stand Alone Acute Mental Illness Unit October 1994 December 1994 April 1997 To be sought July 1997 August 1997 Newcastle Strategic Review—Fast Track Schemes—Diabetes Centre October 1995 February 1996 February 1996 July 1996 July 1996 Newcastle Electrical Infrastructure Improvements October 1995 December 1994 December 1994 January 1995 work completed 1995 RVI and Associated Hospitals Upgrading of Dermatology Accommodation October 1995 No n/ap — — Replacement MRI Scanner in Neurosciences October 1995 August-96 Awaited — —
that 3 per cent. of the software may require attention. Further investigations are also being carried out on our smaller PC based systems and software is tested for use throughout the Registry.External suppliers of Registry mainframe software have also been contacted to supply information regarding their own plans for millennium compliance. Contract documentation to be used in all future procurements has been revised to ensure that the problem will not be perpetuated in any newly purchased products.It is our aim that all Land Registry computer systems will be millennium compliant by 1 April 1998 to allow at least one full financial year of operation.Please let me know if you require any further information.