HC Deb 17 February 1998 vol 306 cc562-3W
Mr. David Atkinson

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on progress in her Cabinet Group to ensure that computer systems are millennium compliant. [27873]

Mrs. Beckett

The Government attach major importance to tackling his problem effectively. However, in accordance with long-standing practice, information about proceedings of the Cabinet and Cabinet Committees is not made public.

Mr. David Atkinson

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what requests she has received from Action 2000 for more staff and an increase in budget; and if she will make a statement. [27875]

Mrs. Roche

I look forward to receiving from Don Cruickshank his proposals for a fully costed programme of collective activities over the next two years which will support businesses in the private sector in their efforts to tackle the problem.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she is taking to ensure that disinterested advice is available to the consumer of personal computing products about the changes that need to be made to their computer systems in order for them to be millennium compliant. [25650]

Mrs. Roche

[holding answer 27 January 1998]: The consumer can get impartial advice from Action 2000, which operates a help line, 0845 601 2000, and a website, www.open.gov.uk/bug2000.htm.

The Chairman of Action 2000 is continuing to work with the Director of the Consumer Association to develop a collaborative approach to helping consumers understand and prepare for the Millennium Bug challenge.

Action 2000 has also appointed Karl Feilder to give it expert advice on the problems with personal computers.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if Action 2000 is being set up as an independent company. [29508]

Mrs. Roche

[holding answer 13 February 1998]: Yes.