§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what contingency plans his Department is making in the event of the failure of computer systems to recognise the year 2000; when he expects them to be in place, and tested; and if he will make a statement. [48845]
§ Mr. MorleyIn recognition of the importance of the Year 2000 issue, the Department has established a major programme of work and intends that all business critical systems will be millennium compliant by April 1999. However, in case of possible failure of some systems to recognise the Year 2000, we are following central (CCTA) advice on contingency planning and related risk management.
Contingency plans are being prepared for all key systems/areas and will be in place by mid-1999. Key elements of the plans will be tested in the same timescale.