§ Mr. Duncan SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when testing on Year 2000 compliance will be completed within her Department. [32999]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyThe Department plans to complete testing on its major computer applications before the end of 1998. The target for testing and completing the remaining elements is the end of August 1999. Copies of the Department's published plans are available in the Library and the Internet.
§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement about progress on the action being taken to ensure the millennium compliance of computer systems involved in the issuing of benefits and pensions; if contingency plans are being prepared; and if local departmental offices will be open on 3 January 2000. [33320]
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§ Mr. Keith BradleyThe Department is on target against its published plans to achieve Year 2000 compliance of the major systems which are key to the payment of benefits and pensions and the collection of contributions. All major systems will be compliant before the end of 1998 to allow a full year's running before 2000.
We already have contingency plans in place to ensure that business continuity is not disrupted as a result of external influences. We are receiving these plans with the Year 2000 in mind. We will take any necessary action as a result.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is conducting a consultative exercise about the public holiday dates to be assigned at the millennium and we await the outcome to inform our planning process.
§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if her Department is represented at meetings of the International Social Security Association to discuss the millennium compliance of computer systems; if best practices are being shared internationally; and if she will make a statement. [33313]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyThe Department of Social Security is represented at meetings of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and we have fully participated in discussions on the millennium compliance of computer systems.
As part of the sharing of information on this issue, the Department submitted an article for inclusion in an ISSA publication circulated to all members.