HC Deb 16 January 1998 vol 304 cc337-9W
Mrs. Gillan

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what budget has been allocated to Action 2000. [23627]

Mrs. Roche

Don Cruickshank, Chairman of Action 2000, has been told that the budget for Action 2000 would be up to £1 million per financial year in each of the years 1997–98 to 1999–2000 inclusive. One million pound has been set aside in the current financial year. Before 1998–99 we expect to receive from Mr. Cruickshank his advice on what costed programme is needed, and the budget for future years can then be fixed.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will publish the promotional plans for Action 2000 to promote awareness of the year 2000 problem. [23592]

Mrs. Roche

Action 2000 will shortly be launching its Millennium Bug Campaign and a copy of the promotional material will be placed in the library of the House.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many officials, and at what grade, are working on millennium compliance issues. [23632]

Mrs. Roche

(a) The sources devoted to the millennium compliance of the core Department's own systems are subject to regular change as individual projects start and conclude. Currently, approximately 23 staff from private sector contractors and three in-house staff, two Directors and one range 10, are engaged on such work. (b) The number of staff involved in helping to establish the Department's Action 2000 initiative to support UK businesses is four full time officials, a Director, two range 10, one support staff and one consultant.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when Action 2000 will establish a millennium helpline; and what that telephone number will be. [23626]

Mrs. Roche

Action 2000 plan to announce a package of support aimed primarily at SMEs in the private sector before the end of this month. This will include a millennium hotline and the number will be announced at a press conference.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will place the business plans of Action 2000 in the Library. [23629]

Mrs. Roche

Following the launch of the Millennium Bug Campaign later this month, Action 2000 will be completing its business plan and submitting full costed proposals to the President of the Board of Trade for her approval. Copies of relevant documents will then be placed in the Library.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will publish the terms of the contract of employment with Don Cruickshank of Action 2000. [23631]

Mrs. Roche

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs. May) on 17 and 19 November 1997,Official Report, columns 50–51 and 190–91.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many members have been appointed to the advisory board of Action 2000. [23628]

Mrs. Roche

The Chairman of Action 2000 is currently consulting about these appointments.

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