§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action(a) the Government and (b) the Bank of England are taking to assess whether they will be able to make their computers millennium compliant at the same time as making them euro compliant. [45453]
§ Mrs. LiddellGovernment Departments have investigated the impact of the introduction of the euro on their operations. Where these occur steps are in hand to make the necessary preparations. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster carries out quarterly reviews across Government on the state of preparedness for the century date change. Copies of the returns from Departments have been placed in the Library. The Bank of England has been undertaking IT preparations necessary for both EMU and Year 2000 for over 2 years. It was decided at an early stage that where there was an overlap in EMU and Year 2000 work and, where it was practical to do so, the Bank would address both issues at the same time.