To ask the President of the Board of Trade what funding is presently committed from his departmental budget for (a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1992–2000 to resolve the year 2000 computer problem; and whether he will make a statement. [11376]

[holding answer 29 July 1997]: A programme of projects and other activities are running within the core DTI which aims to resolve the problems facing its IT systems as a result of the year 2000 date change. The following sums from departmental budgets have been approved to meet the cost of this programme:

• 1997–98: £1,460,000
• 1998–99: £986,000
• 1999–2000: £254,000.

The sum approved for 1999–2000 relates to monitoring activities necessary after the completion of remedial work in April 1999.The Department's next step agencies have programmes of their own which they are funding.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is her estimate of total departmental expenditure on computer-related current and capital work for (a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98, (d) 1998–99 and (e) 1999–2000; and if she will make a statement. [11379]

[holding answer 29 July 1997]: Total estimated expenditure on computer-related work for the years in question by the core DTI, excluding next steps agencies, is as follows:

align="right">£000
	Capital	Current	Total
1995–96	16,269	11,222	27,491
1996–97	15,789	13,032	28,821
1997–98	12,268	13,562	25,830

align="right">£000
	Capital	Current	Total
1998–99	11,777	11,687	23,464
1999–2000	11,703	11,687	23,390

Figures for 1998–99 and 1999–2000 are forecasts, as allocations for these years have not yet been agreed.