Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Goss Moor (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 25 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 March 2003. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Monday, 31 March 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the risk of short term disruption to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Telecommunications Network in the event of the failure of the providing company; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the risk of short term disruption to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Telecommunications Network in the event of the failure of the providing company; and if he will make a statement. [105186] Mr. Rammell: Since the FCO's private sector supplier, Global Crossing, went into Chapter 11 proceedings in the US, the FCO has taken steps to ensure continuity of the FTN service. Contingency arrangements are in place to allow the FCO's essential services to continue to operate should Global Crossing, for any reason, withdraw their service. We are closely monitoring the company's progress towards exit from Chapter 11.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 105186; 402 c523W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Telecommunications Telephone services Foreign and Commonwealth Office Global Crossing
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk