§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the responsibility for the millennium compliance of computer-reliant military equipment supplied by the United States of America lies with the vendors; and if she will make a statement. [33314]
§ Mr. SpellarWhen MOD purchases direct from a US company, it prefers to place contracts under English Law, which places the vendor under the same obligations as a UK company. In all such contracts with US companies it is a requirement that they be contractually bound to meet the MOD's Year 2000 compliance requirements and to provide an express warranty to this effect. When MOD contracts directly with US companies under US laws for the procurement of computer systems and software, a similar compliance requirement is included.
In cases where MOD procures on a Government to Government basis through the Foreign Military Sales, FMS, route with the US, the vendors are required to comply with the relevant US Government criteria. The US Government are committed to achieving Year 2000 compliance of Defence equipment.