§ Mr. CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps the Government have taken to ensure that the electricity supply will not be disrupted by the millennium bug. [55793]
§ Mr. BattleThe electricity industry has made extensive preparations over several years to ensure that the millennium bug does not disrupt normal service. This work is continuing. My Department, the Director General of Electricity Supply and Action 2000 are monitoring these preparations and are discussing with the industry what more needs to be done to provide an independent assessment of progress, of what has been completed and of what more needs to be done. The Department and the Director General are also discussing with the industry the timing and nature of statements needed to reassure consumers that any potential problems are being tackled effectively.