§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate she has made of the cost of resolving the millennium computer problem in the National Health Service; how much money has been spent on this to date; and if she will make a statement. [37933]
§ Mr. WorthingtonThe cost of resolving the millennium computer problem in the Northern Ireland Health and Personal Social Services currently stands at £5 million in respect of Information Management and Technology (1M&T) systems. No estimates are yet available for non-IT equipment.
There are as yet no records of what has been spent to date. This will become clear in the next returns due from HPSS organisations in May 1998.
The HSS Executive has been promoting awareness of HPSS Year 2000 issues since 1996. The HPSS programme is broadly in line with the GB timescale and the requirement for regular updates on progress will fall into line with GB from the next return date which is due in June 1998. It is not expected that compliance of all equipment will be achieved by the December 1998 target date. Preparations should however be complete in time for the millennium.