§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reason his Department did not meet the Government's target of producing an initial Year 2000 business continuity plan by January; and if he will make a statement. [78470]
§ Mr. WillsPlans to deal with disasters affecting the central Department are well established and have existed for some years. Their review and modification as necessary to deal with potential Year 2000 problems started in late 1998. The broad approach was agreed in mid-December but required confirmation of some technical issues by relevant suppliers. This confirmation was provided by mid-January. Whilst the Business Continuity Plan was therefore agreed by the target date, there had not been sufficient time to document it by then.
The DTI's initial Business Continuity Plan was documented by the end of February and will be updated during 1999 as required.