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To ask the President of the Council, what assessment she has made of the work of Action 2000 and the Government's Year 2000 programme. (Failed OPQ). - Inc ref to Command Paper "Modernising Government in Action: Realising the Benefits of Y2K" (published today).
To ask the President of the Council, what assessment she has made of the work of Action 2000 and the Government's Year 2000 programme. (Failed OPQ). - Inc ref to Command Paper "Modernising Government in Action: Realising the Benefits of Y2K" (published today).
Asked by
Ben Chapman
(Labour)
Answered by
Baroness Beckett
(Labour)
Answering body
Leader of the House of Commons
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
4 April 2000
For answer on
18 April 2000
Answered on
18 April 2000
Mr. Ben Chapman: To ask the President of the Council what assessment she has made of the work of Action 2000 and the Government's
Year 2000 programme. [118177]
Mrs. Beckett: The Government's year 2000 programme has been an outstanding success, with the UK almost untouched by the Bug. This is
due to the hard work of many across the public and private sectors who worked in partnership with Government and Action 2000.
The work done has also delivered far-reaching benefits. These are drawn out in a Command Paper entitled "Modernising Government in
Action: Realising the Benefits of Y2K" that I am publishing today. The Paper explains how the lessons and benefits of tackling the
Bug are being captured across government.
Subjects
Computers; Millennium compliance; Action 2000
Date
18 April 2000
Reference
348 c425W; 118177
House
House of Commons
To ask the President of the Council, what assessment she has made of the work of Action 2000 in tackling the year 2000 problem. (Failed OPQ)
To ask the President of the Council, what assessment she has made of the work of Action 2000 in tackling the year 2000 problem. (Failed OPQ)
Asked by
Brian White
(Labour)
Answered by
Baroness Beckett
(Labour)
Answering body
Leader of the House of Commons
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
4 April 2000
For answer on
18 April 2000
Answered on
18 April 2000
Mr. White: To ask the President of the Council what assessment she has made of the work of Action 2000 in tackling the year 2000
problem. [118182]
Mrs. Beckett: Action 2000's contribution in helping to tackle the Millennium Bug has been significant. The National Infrastructure
Forum (NIF) alone was a remarkable achievement. The links which were forged in the NIF, and the work done to map the key processes
of the national infrastructure, will be of lasting benefit.
Subjects
Computers; Millennium compliance; Action 2000
Date
18 April 2000
Reference
348 c425-6W; 118182
House
House of Commons
Type
Command papers
Author
Leader of the House of Commons; President of the Council
Laid on
18 April 2000
Notes
Received 19.04.00
Subjects
ICT; Software; Central government; Computers; Cooperation; Communication; Government departments; Millennium compliance; Media; Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Small businesses; Action 2000
Commons Library location
Research Sc 384.13,P
Date
18 April 2000
Reference
Cm 4703
House
House of Commons
Type
House of Commons papers; Select Committee oral evidence;
Parliamentary committees
Committee
Committee of Public Accounts
Subjects
Computers; Home Office; Millennium compliance; Action 2000; Year 2000 Team
Commons Library location
CS 246
Date
1 December 1999
Reference
HC 83-i 1999/2000
House
House of Commons
Type
Deposited papers
Author
Action 2000
Committed on
10 November 1999
Originated on
1 October 1999
Received on
10 November 1999
Subjects
Software; Computers; Millennium compliance; Railways; Action 2000
Commons Library location
Dep 99/1821
Lords Library location
HINF 99/2122
Date
10 November 1999
Reference
Dep 99/1821
House
House of Commons
Deposited by
Cabinet Office
Type
Deposited papers
Author
Action 2000
Committed on
3 November 1999
Originated on
1 October 1999
Received on
3 November 1999
Subjects
Software; Computers; Local government; Millennium compliance; Local government services; Action 2000
Commons Library location
Dep 99/1756;Research Sc 384.13/ACT
Lords Library location
HINF 99/2060
Date
3 November 1999
Reference
Dep 99/1756
House
House of Commons
Statement on what progress has been made by UK offshore oil and gas producers and oil companies in dealing with the millennium bug; and what measures have been taken by his Department to ensure the security of concessionary coal supplies over this period. - Includes figures.
Statement on what progress has been made by UK offshore oil and gas producers and oil companies in dealing with the millennium bug; and what measures have been taken by his Department to ensure the security of concessionary coal supplies over this period. - Includes figures.
Asked by
Jackie Lawrence
(Labour)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 October 1999
For answer on
21 October 1999
Answered on
21 October 1999
Ms Lawrence: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made by UK offshore oil and gas producers
and oil companies in dealing with the millennium bug; and what measures have been taken by his Department to ensure the security of
concessionary coal supplies over this period. [95427]
Ms Hewitt: I can now report the findings of the independent assessment process established by the DTI which confirms that UK oil and
gas producers and oil suppliers have now attained a 100 per cent. blue status against the Action 2000 assessment criteria and are
now assessed as ready to ensure that it will be business as usual and that there should be no major disruption to supplies due to
the Year 2000 threat to computer systems. The DTI has been pleased to take on the role of "responsible body" reporting to the Action
2000 national infrastructure forum on the year 2000 preparations being made by the oil industry and UK's offshore oil and gas
producers.
The DTI has approached this task in a systematic and thorough way, making full use of the industry's own resources. It has engaged
WS Atkins Consultants Ltd.-- an internationally known and highly respected engineering consultancy with extensive experience within
the oil and gas industry--to independently validate the process adopted and its results. The industry has fully supported this
important work and provided full and frank access to all the relevant information and staff.
The independent verification approach adopted by DTI has been agreed with Action 2000 and designed to build on the work already in
hand by offshore and onshore companies to avoid duplication of effort. It has been closely supported by the relevant trade
associations (UKOOA--offshore oil operators association, UKPIA-- UK Petroleum Industry Association and AUKOI-- Association of UK Oil
Independents).
For the offshore sector, DTI arranged for companies to conduct a stringent assessment process supported by UKOOA, which involved
preparation of a report on each operator's state of readiness and its independent confirmation by, either a "peer group assessor" or
an external consultant.
To further enhance the independent element in this process, WS Atkins carried out a programme of visits to review the process
adopted, the supporting data and its conclusions. The format and extent of the visit programme was determined by WS Atkins. It
covered all the key elements of the offshore oil and gas industry including production and onshore terminal/pipeline facilities, and
was designed to ensure they could reach a fair view on the overall status of the upstream industry.
For the downstream oil sector covering the supply and distribution of refined oil products, WS Atkins were engaged to carry out a
more intensive role. They prepared and issued on behalf of DTI a detailed and closely targeted questionnaire to all the main
downstream players. Following a detailed analysis of the responses WS Atkins conducted a series of detailed on site follow-up visits
designed to validate the questionnaire responses. Officials from DTI and other interested Government Departments also participated
in some of the visits.
Again, the visit programme was determined by WS Atkins and designed to ensure that they were able to form a fair view of the overall
status of the downstream industry. The programme was carefully planned to cover all aspects of the industry. It looked vertically
through the supply chain and covered refining, pipelines, distribution terminals, and retail outlets. It embraced all sectors of the
industry from the majors, and hypermarkets through mid-size players to smaller retailers. It extended throughout the UK covering
locations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Throughout the process, DTI has worked closely with Action 2000, other responsible bodies and the various trade bodies to ensure
nothing was overlooked and ensure that the process adopted reflected good year 2000 practice.
At the National Infrastructure Forum meeting in January 1999, the industry attracted an overall "amber" assessment against the
standard colour code adopted by Action 2000. I am pleased to report that WS Atkins have confirmed that the industry has since then
made substantial progress both onshore and offshore, and has now attained 100 per cent. "blue" status. A copy of their summary
reports have been placed in the Libraries of the House, and copies made available on the DTI internet site. WS Atkins have also
confirmed that the validation process adopted by DTI provides an effective means of independently validating the industry's state of
progress, both in terms of its suitability to the offshore/onshore sector, and general good practice in relation to year 2000 risk
assessment.
In detail WS Atkins have awarded 100 per cent. "blue" status in respect of the upstream sector which covers firms engaged in the
production and transport to shore of oil and gas, and related gas interconnectors. 100 per cent. "blue" status was also attained by
those companies assessed in the downstream oil sector. The assessed companies are responsible for over 90 per cent. of UK oil
supplies and cover the receipt, refining, distribution and retail of oil products.
The DTI has agreed a follow up plan with WS Atkins, to continue to monitor progress and carry out a further independent check visits
to monitor the industry's ongoing readiness throughout the millennium period.
Regarding coal, the Department is responsible for supplying concessionary fuel to some 90,000 former employees of British Coal. This
accounts for 20-25 per cent. of all solid fuel for domestic use. Currently, two large coal companies are under contract to DTI for
the supply and distribution of concessionary fuel (CPL Distribution Ltd. and T. H. Fergusson).
The Department appointed Aon Risk Services Ltd. (risk management consultants) to assess the security of supply of concessionary fuel
over the millennium period. This covered the fuel distributors as well as a number of major producers. In addition, Aon was asked to
advise on the position in the wider retail market for household coal in so far that the same systems are used by the companies under
contract to DTI for distributing concessionary supplies. Aon's conclusions are equally encouraging with all the main operators now
assessed as achieving 100 per cent. blue rating. Aon will be involved in continued monitoring of the position.
Subjects
Coal; Oil; Natural gas; Millennium compliance; Offshore industry; Action 2000; Atkins
Date
21 October 1999
Reference
95427; 336 c610-2W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment his Department has made of the results of the Business Link network's ComplY2K scheme offering computer millennium compliance tests to small businesses; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment his Department has made of the results of the Business Link network's ComplY2K scheme offering computer millennium compliance tests to small businesses; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
David Atkinson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Wills
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 July 1999
For answer on
27 July 1999
Answered on
27 July 1999
Mr. David Atkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment his Department has made of the results of
the Business Link network's ComplY2K scheme offering computer millennium compliance tests to small businesses; and if he will make a
statement. [92907]
Mr. Wills: ComplY2K is a risk assessment diagnostic tool offered by the National Computing Centre to enable businesses to address
their millennium bug problems. It is one of a number of tools available for this task and some BLs are using it as part of their
response to addressing Y2K issues with their client base. My Department has not made any specific assessment of the use of this
particular package. However, Business Links continue to work closely with Action 2000 to ensure that they are providing appropriate
Y2K support services. Action 2000 continue to monitor the national picture of the state of readiness of UK companies.
ComplY2K and other tools like it, when applied to an individual company, delivers a report which identifies areas of high risk and
offers an action plan for addressing them. Some Business Links have developed their own packages and all have some structured
approach or toolkit to engage their client base. These have been offered along with the DfEE's highly successful Bug Buster training
programme. Business Links will assist with some action areas identified by these tools, perhaps project manage the process, and
signpost to local suppliers who can address other specific items identified in the report.
Subjects
Millennium compliance; Small businesses; Testing; Business links; Action 2000; National Computing Centre
Date
27 July 1999
Reference
92907; 336 c323W
House
House of Commons
Type
Select Committee reports; House of Commons papers;
Parliamentary committees
Committee
Committee of Public Accounts
Notes
Received 18.08.99
Subjects
ICT; Disclosure of information; Software; Central government; Computers; Electricity; Government departments; Cabinet Office; Emergencies; Fire and rescue services; Police; Planning; Natural gas; Millennium compliance; National Audit Office; Treasury; Action 2000
Commons Library location
CS 246
Date
26 July 1999
Reference
HC 517 1998/99
House
House of Commons
Deposited by
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Deposited papers
Author
Department of Trade and Industry; Atkins
Committed on
15 July 1999
Originated on
14 July 1999
Received on
15 July 1999
Subjects
Industry; Oil; Natural gas; Millennium compliance; Monitoring; Offshore industry; Pipelines; Action 2000
Lords Library location
HINF 99/1353
Date
15 July 1999
Reference
HINF 99/1353
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will make a statement on the progress being made by United Kingdom offshore oil and gas producers and oil companies to deal with the millennium bug. - Inc figures and fact that WS Atkin's report is in Library.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will make a statement on the progress being made by United Kingdom offshore oil and gas producers and oil companies to deal with the millennium bug. - Inc figures and fact that WS Atkin's report is in Library.
Asked by
Baroness Smith of Malvern
(Labour)
Answered by
Stephen Byers
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 July 1999
For answer on
14 July 1999
Answered on
14 July 1999
Jacqui Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress being made by United
Kingdom offshore oil and gas producers and oil companies to deal with the millennium bug. [91663]
Mr. Byers: DTI continues to fulfil the role of "responsible body" reporting to the Action 2000 National Infrastructure Forum on the
preparations being made by the oil industry and UK's offshore oil and gas producers to avoid any disruption due to the Year 2000
threat to computer systems.
At the National Infrastructure Forum meeting in January 1999, the industry attracted an overall "amber" assessment against the
standard colour code adopted by Action 2000. I am pleased to report that WS Atkins Consultants Ltd. have confirmed that the industry
continues to make substantial progress both onshore and offshore.
In detail WS Atkins found that over 80 per cent. of the industry now merit a blue assessment (no identified risks of material
disruption), and that the remainder are on track to attain that rating once work scheduled during the normal summer shutdown period
has been completed, and residual contingency planning and external dependency issues had been finalised.
The DTI has arranged for WS Atkins to carry out a further review at the end of September, to monitor progress on those outstanding
issues and carry out a further programme of independent check visits to confirm that the scheduled work has been completed
successfully. DTI will report on this work at the National Infrastructure Forum meeting in October 1999, and will continue to
monitor the industry's progress throughout the millennium period.
A summary of their report has been placed in the Libraries of the House, and copies have been made available on the DTI internet
site.
Subjects
Companies; Oil; Natural gas; Millennium compliance; Offshore industry; Action 2000
Date
14 July 1999
Reference
91663; 335 c208-9W
House
House of Commons
Type
House of Commons papers; Select Committee oral evidence;
Parliamentary committees
Committee
Committee of Public Accounts
Subjects
ICT; Software; Computers; Cabinet Office; Millennium compliance; Year 2000 Team; Action 2000
Commons Library location
CS 246
Date
9 June 1999
Reference
HC 517-i 1998/99
House
House of Commons
Type
House of Commons papers
Author
National Audit Office
Laid on
24 May 1999
Notes
Received 25.05.99
Subjects
ICT; Costs; Business; Central government; Computers; Executive agencies; Government departments; Cabinet Office; Emergencies; Local government; NHS; Planning; Public sector; Millennium compliance; Non-departmental public bodies; Action 2000
Commons Library location
CS 243
Date
24 May 1999
Reference
HC 436 1998/99
House
House of Commons
To ask the President of the Council, pursuant to her Answer on 20th April, 329 c480W,when she will publish the latest results of the market research tracking public perception of the millennium bug. - Announcement that today placed copies of the Executive Summaries of the February and March tracking research...
To ask the President of the Council, pursuant to her Answer on 20th April, 329 c480W,when she will publish the latest results of the market research tracking public perception of the millennium bug. - Announcement that today placed copies of the Executive Summaries of the February and March tracking research...
Asked by
Tom Levitt
(Labour)
Answered by
Baroness Beckett
(Labour)
Answering body
Leader of the House of Commons
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 May 1999
For answer on
18 May 1999
Answered on
18 May 1999
Mr. Levitt: To ask the President of the Council, pursuant to her answer on 20 April 1999, Official Report, column 480, when she will
publish the latest results of the market research tracking public perception of the millennium bug. [84842]
Mrs. Beckett: I have today placed copies of the Executive Summaries of the February and March tracking research in the Libraries of
the House.
The results are broadly consistent with the results for January, showing that concern amongst the public on this issue is still low.
The results also show that those questioned are looking beyond the impact of the Bug on computers and are now considering the wider
effects.
Subjects
Computers; Electrical goods; Government information services; Publicity; Millennium compliance; Action 2000
Date
18 May 1999
Reference
84842; 331 c285-6W
House
House of Commons
Further to the WRitten Answer by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 20 April, 599 c156WA, when they will publish the latest results of the market research tracking public perception of the Millennium bug. [HL 2549]. - Inc announcement that today placed copies of the executive summaries of the February and...
Further to the WRitten Answer by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 20 April, 599 c156WA, when they will publish the latest results of the market research tracking public perception of the Millennium bug. [HL 2549]. - Inc announcement that today placed copies of the executive summaries of the February and...
Asked by
Viscount Simon
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord McIntosh of Haringey
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
18 May 1999
Answered on
18 May 1999
Subjects
Computers; Electrical goods; Government information services; Publicity; Millennium compliance; Action 2000
Date
18 May 1999
Reference
HL 2549; 601 c25WA
House
House of Lords
To ask the Prime Minister, what steps he is taking to ensure (a) 9.9.99 and (b) 29.2.00 computer compliance.
To ask the Prime Minister, what steps he is taking to ensure (a) 9.9.99 and (b) 29.2.00 computer compliance.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Tony Blair
(Labour)
Answering body
Prime Minister
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 May 1999
For answer on
17 May 1999
Answered on
17 May 1999
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Prime Minister what steps he is taking to ensure (a) 9.9.99 and (b) 29.2.00 computer compliance. [84100]
The Prime Minister: Government Departments and agencies and key parts of the national infrastructure have comprehensive plans in
place for addressing the millennium date change and a range of other dates which could give rise to particular problems such as
9.9.99 and 29.2.00. Action 2000, which the Government set up, has also been advising businesses, particularly small and medium sized
enterprises, of the importance and methods of checking that systems will continue to operate on these dates and of setting in place
contingency plans.
Subjects
Computers; Millennium compliance; Small businesses; Action 2000
Date
17 May 1999
Reference
84100; 331 c266W
House
House of Commons
Answered by
Lord Wills
(Labour)
Asked by
David Atkinson
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Oral answers to questions
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, If he will make a statement on progress with the millennium readiness of computer systems in the private sector.
Subjects
Disclosure of information; Companies; Business; Computers; Private sector; Millennium compliance; Action 2000
Date
6 May 1999
Reference
330 c1070
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, If he will make a statement on progress with the millennium readiness of computer systems in the private sector.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, If he will make a statement on progress with the millennium readiness of computer systems in the private sector.
Asked by
David Atkinson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Wills
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 April 1999
For answer on
6 May 1999
Answered on
6 May 1999
Subjects
Disclosure of information; Companies; Business; Computers; Private sector; Millennium compliance; Action 2000
Date
6 May 1999
Reference
330 c1070; 82359
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will list the local authorities identified by the Year 2000 Taskforce as giving cause for concern in terms of their millennium computer compliance preparations.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will list the local authorities identified by the Year 2000 Taskforce as giving cause for concern in terms of their millennium computer compliance preparations.
Asked by
Vincent Cable
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Alan Meale
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
27 April 1999
For answer on
5 May 1999
Answered on
5 May 1999
Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the local authorities
identified by the Year 2000 Taskforce as giving cause for concern in terms of their millennium computer compliance preparations.
[82821]
Mr. Meale: As Action 2000 stated at their National Infrastructure Forum on 21 April 1999, at this stage of the evaluation process
they are not naming any organisations. At the next Forum meeting, on 13 July, the Government Offices for the Regions, as the
Millennium Bug responsible bodies for local authorities, fully expect to be in a position to report progress on all local
authorities.
Subjects
Computers; Local government; Millennium compliance; Action 2000
Date
5 May 1999
Reference
330 c391W;330 c385W; 82821
House
House of Commons
Statement on what progress is being made by UK offshore oil and gas producers and oil companies to deal with the millennium bug; and what measures have been taken by his Department to ensure the security of concessionary coal supplies over this period. - Inc ref to summary reports, in...
Statement on what progress is being made by UK offshore oil and gas producers and oil companies to deal with the millennium bug; and what measures have been taken by his Department to ensure the security of concessionary coal supplies over this period. - Inc ref to summary reports, in...
Asked by
Jeff Ennis
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Wills
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
19 April 1999
For answer on
21 April 1999
Answered on
21 April 1999
Mr. Ennis: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress is being made by UK offshore oil and gas producers and
oil companies to deal with the millennium bug; and what measures have been taken by his Department to ensure the security of
concessionary coal supplies over this period. [81700]
Mr. Wills: I can now report the findings of the independent assessment process established by the DTI which confirms that UK oil
companies and offshore gas producers are on track to ensure that there will be no major disruption to supplies due to the Year 2000
threat to computer systems. The DTI has taken on the role of "responsible body" reporting to the ACTION 2000 National Infrastructure
Forum on the Year 2000 preparations being made by the oil industry and UK's offshore oil and gas producers.
The DTI has approached this task in a systematic way, making full use of the industry's own resources. It has engaged W. S. Atkins
Consultants Limited--an internationally known and highly respected engineering consultancy with extensive experience within the oil
and gas industry--to independently validate the process adopted and its results. The industry has fully supported this important
work and provided full and frank access to all the relevant information and staff.
The independent verification approach adopted by DTI has been agreed with ACTION 2000 and designed to build on the work already in
hand by offshore and onshore companies to avoid duplication of effort. It has been closely supported by the relevant trade
associations (UKOOA--UK Offshore Oil Operators Association, UKPIA--UK Petroleum Industry Association and AUKOI--Association of UK
Oil Independents).
For the offshore sector, DTI arranged for companies to conduct a stringent assessment process supported by UKOOA, which involved
preparation of a report on each operator's state of readiness and its independent confirmation by, either a "peer group assessor" or
an external consultant.
To further enhance the independent element in this process, W. S. Atkins carried out a programme of visits to review the process
adopted, the supporting data and its conclusions. The format and extent of the visit programme was determined by W. S. Atkins. It
covered all the key elements of the offshore oil and gas industry including production and onshore terminal/pipeline facilities, and
was designed to ensure they could reach a fair view on the overall status of the upstream industry.
For the downstream oil sector covering the supply and distribution of refined oil products, W. S. Atkins were engaged to carry out a
more intensive role. They prepared and issued on behalf of DTI a detailed and closely targeted questionnaire to all the main
downstream players. Following a detailed analysis of the responses W. S. Atkins conducted a series of detailed on-site follow-up
visits designed to validate the questionnaire responses. Officials from DTI and other interested Government Departments also
participated in some of the visits.
Again the visit programme was determined by W. S. Atkins and designed to ensure that they were able to form a fair view of the
overall status of the downstream industry. The programme was carefully planned to cover all aspects of the industry. It looked
vertically through the supply chain and covered refining, pipelines, distribution terminals, and retail outlets. It embraced all
sectors of the industry from the majors, and hypermarkets through mid- size players to smaller retailers. It extended throughout the
UK covering locations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Throughout the process, DTI has worked closely with Action 2000, other responsible bodies and the various trade bodies to ensure
nothing was overlooked and ensure that the process adopted reflected good Year 2000 practice.
At the National Infrastructure Forum meeting in January 1999, the industry attracted an overall "amber" assessment against the
standard colour code adopted by ACTION 2000. I am pleased to report that W. S. Atkins have confirmed that the industry has since
then made substantial progress both onshore and offshore. Copies of their summary reports have been placed in the Libraries of the
House, and copies made available on the DTI internet site. W. S. Atkins have also confirmed that the validation process adopted by
DTI provides an effective means of independently validating the industry's state of progress, both in terms of its suitability to
the offshore/ onshore sector, and general good practice in relation to Year 2000 risk assessment.
In detail W. S. Atkins found that more than half of the offshore operators and almost two thirds of the downstream industry now
merit a blue assessment (no identified risks of material disruption), and that the remainder were on track to attain that rating
once work scheduled during the normal summer shutdown period has been completed, and residual contingency planning and external
dependency issues had been finalised.
The DTI has agreed a follow up plan with W. S. Atkins, to monitor progress on the outstanding issues and carry out a further
programme of independent check visits to confirm that the scheduled work has been completed successfully. DTI will report on this
work at the National Infrastructure Forum meeting in October 1999, and will continue to monitor the industry's progress throughout
the millennium period.
Regarding coal, the Department is responsible for supplying concessionary fuel to some 90,000 former employees of British Coal. This
accounts for 20-25 per cent. of all solid fuel for domestic use. Currently, two large coal companies are under contract to DTI for
the supply and distribution of concessionary fuel (CPL Distribution Ltd. and T. H. Fergusson).
The Department appointed Aon Risk Services Ltd. (risk management consultants) to assess the security of supply of concessionary fuel
over the millennium period. This covered the fuel distributors as well as a number of major producers. In addition, Aon was asked to
advise on the position in the wider retail market for household coal in so far that the same systems are used by the companies under
contract to DTI for distributing concessionary supplies. Aon's conclusions are very encouraging with all the main operators
achieving blue rating. The remaining 5 per cent. merit amber rating but are on course to achieve blue rating by October. Aon will be
involved in continued monitoring of the position.
Subjects
Coal; Industry; Oil; Natural gas; Millennium compliance; Monitoring; Offshore industry; Pipelines; Action 2000; Atkins
Date
21 April 1999
Reference
81700; 329 c553-5W
House
House of Commons