Written question asked by David Atkinson (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 December 1996. It was answered by Ian Taylor (Conservative) on Tuesday, 3 December 1996 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: (Daily part reference c583W) What has been the outcome of the informal task force of the European Commission to consult and report on the problem of the effect of the century date change on computer systems.

Answer: Mr. Atkinson: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the outcome of the informal task force of the European Commission to consult and report on the problem of the effect of the century date change on computer systems; and if he will make a statement. [6668] Mr. Ian Taylor: I first raised the year 200 issue at the Telecoms Council on 27 June. I am not aware of any informal taskforce of the European Commission dealing with the century date change problem. However, I understand from the Commission that, using the established senior officials group for IT standards public procurement group, the Commission has been considering the implications of the century date change issue. As recently as 26 November the group met to exchange ideas on alleviating the problem both in member states own Administrations and within private sector businesses within Europe.

Secondary information