§ Brian WhiteTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress his Department has made to manage the changeover from the Bank Automated Clearing System to the new BACSTEL-IP system for electronic payments. [164323]
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Total international migration1: citizenship time series 2002–2002–United Kingdom Thousand Commonwealth All citizenships British Non-British European Union2 Old3 New Other foreign4 Inflow to UK: 2000 483.4 104.1 379.3 63.1 57.2 90.9 168.1 2001 479.6 106.3 373.3 60.4 67.4 83.9 161.6 2002 512.8 94.6 418.2 62.8 65.6 92.9 196.8 Outflow from UK: 2000 320.7 161.1 159.6 57.0 32.2 14.9 55.5 2001 307.7 159.2 148.5 49.1 32.1 18.6 48.6 2002 359.4 185.7 173.7 51.7 42.3 15.8 63.9 Balance: 2000 +162.8 -57.0 +219.7 +6.1 +25.0 +76.0 +112.6 2001 +171.8 -53.0 +224.8 +11.2 +35.2 +65.4 +113.0 2002 +153.4 -91.1 +244.5 +11.1 +23.4 +77.1 +132.9 1 Based mainly on data from the International Passenger Survey. Includes adjustments for (1) those whose intended length of stay changes so their migrant status changes;(2) asylum seekers and their dependants not identified by the IPS; and (3) flows between the UK and the Republic of Ireland. 2 Figures for all years show EU as it was constituted on 1 January 1995. 3 Includes estimates of South African citizenship for all years. 4 Figures for all years include Hong Kong.
§ Ruth KellyThe Office of HM Paymaster General, which provides a banking service to public sector bodies, has issued guidance to all its customers on the implications and importance of preparing for the migration, which must be completed by December 2005. This guidance is being re-inforced through regional presentations to OPG customers.
HM Treasury is presently planning its own transition to BACSTEL-IP.
Inland Revenue has already taken steps to review and replace its BACSTEL links before the December 2005 deadline. This will involve either the replacement of BACSTEL kit or the transfer of payments to non-BACSTEL links.
HM Customs and Excise has been aware for some time of the BACSTEL-IP changes and has already had preliminary meetings with BACS, its sponsoring bank (Bank of England), its current BACS software supplier and various Technical Division representatives.
National Savings and Investments has undertaken and completed the assessment of the impact and cost of moving to the new BACSTEL-IP system and has agreed a suitable solution that will be quick and easy to implement. NS&I plan to be 'live' by August 2004.