§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the total expenditure and the breakdown of expenditure was in her Department for the financial years(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99 and (d) 1999–2000, and what the planned expenditure and breakdown of expenditure for 2000–01 is on (i) public opinion research, (ii) television, radio and newspaper advertising and (iii) direct mail. [149269]
§ Marjorie MowlamThe total expenditure during(b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99 and (d) 1999–2000, and the planned expenditure during 2000–01 on (i) public opinion research, (ii) television, radio and newspaper advertising and (iii) direct mail, is shown in the table. All figures are inclusive of VAT where applicable.
distribution of funds in the event of existing computer systems failing; [152633]
(2) what instructions have been given to Government Departments to ensure effective back-up systems exist in 431W the event of existing computer systems failing; and if annual reviews of these instructions take place; [152634]
(3) when the last assessment of departmental computer back-up systems took place; and what improvements were made subsequently; [152635]
(4) if he will list those commercial companies he has been in contact with in the last 24 months regarding disaster contingency programmes; [152636]
(5) which Minister has specific responsibility for computer disaster contingency programmes. [152637]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyEach Government Department is responsible for ensuring it has robust business continuity plans in place to ensure that they can respond effectively to a wide range of problems, including computer failure. Departments are expected to test these plans regularly and to respond to any weaknesses identified. From January 2001 all new high risk projects involving procurement in the Civil Departments of central Government, along with their executive agencies and NDPBs require a business continuity plan that addresses potential problems during implementation and roll out of the project.
Guidance to Departments is principally made available via the Office of Government Commerce, which also chairs an Interdepartmental Business Continuity Planning Forum. This forum has involved a range of commercial companies, including the Guardian IT Group and SGRS.
Departments are also required to ensure that their computer systems are adequately protected, and to review regularly security measures. An IT Health Check Service is available from companies accredited by GCHQ's Communications-Electronics Security Group, which will identify vulnerabilities and recommend effective security counter measures.
To enhance further security across Government, especially in relation to computer systems, all Departments have now prepared plans to achieve compliance with the International Standard on Information Security Management (ISO 17799). The standard requires organisations to develop and test effective business continuity plans, and Departments will be asked to gain objective assurance that key systems are adequately protected.