Written question asked by Robert Key (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 January 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 February 1999. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Thursday, 4 February 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has held with NATO nations on the impact of the Year 2000 problem on interchange of defence-related electronic information and on equipment that is in common service; if interconnections between NATO nations are Year 2000 compliant; and if Year 2000 tests are included in multinational military exercises conducted with (a) NATO and (b) other nations. - (Holding answer 3 February 1999).

Answer: Mr. Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has held with NATO nations on the impact of the Year 2000 problem on interchange of defence-related electronic information and on equipment that is in common service; if interconnections between NATO nations are Year 2000 compliant; and if Year 2000 tests are included in multinational military exercises conducted with (a) NATO and (b) other nations. [68255] Mr. Spellar: [holding answer 3 February 1999]: The need for close examination of the inter-connections between NATO nations was highlighted at the Allied Year 2000 Steering Group, hosted by the MOD in November 1998. The question of the Y2K compliance of inter-connections between NATO nations is currently being examined by the NATO Command, Control and Communications board. The UK is planning its exercise programme to enable Y2K validation to be tested in many areas. Action is also in hand to include Y2K elements in combined exercises with US forces. Discussions with our Allies on other international exercises are continuing.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 68255; 324 c735W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Defence equipment Millennium compliance Testing NATO NATO countries