§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects the backlog of cases caused by the failure of the Contributions Agency computer to be cleared; and if he will make a statement. [61936]
§ Mr. TimmsThe NIRS2 computer system is a large and complex system and there have been some delays and problems in its introduction, which the House was made aware of on the 5 November.
Backlogs of work have built up in both the Contributions Agency and the Benefits Agency as a consequence of the delays and problems with NIRS2. Both Agencies however, invoked contingency arrangements wherever possible to reduce the effect on customers.
The Contributions Agency and the Benefits Agency are working together to develop plans to clear backlogs as the new systems facilities become available, staff are able to address the backlogs caused by the absence of those facilities. For example, the backlog of requests for data protection printouts has been eliminated since 18 November 1998. It is not yet possible, however, to predict with certainty the date when all the backlogs will be cleared.