HC Deb 28 April 1998 vol 311 c68W
Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee what assessment he has made of the level of millennium compliance within the parliamentary estate. [38917]

Mr. Allan

A working group of technical staff has been established to address the compliance issue for systems provided for departments of the House. An estimate of the level of compliance, and the costs of corrective action will be available after the completion of the programme of tests later this year. The Finance and Services Committee is monitoring progress. Compliance of embedded chips in, for example, passcard systems and elevators, is being addressed by the Parliamentary Works Directorate, who will report progress through the Accommodation and Works Committee.

Equipment provided by Members for themselves and their staff is excluded from this provision and they are asked to ensure that their own systems are compliant. It may be possible to provide an avenue for advice, or to recommend external sources for assistance. No estimate of the likely costs can be made.