To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what funding is presently committed from her departmental budget for (a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000 to resolve the year 2000 computer problem; and if she will make a statement. [11896]

Funding for the cost of preventive and remedial action on year 2000 in this Department is being met from existing budgets by making economies and by reprioritising existing work programmes. The initial broad estimate of the total cost is £30 million. Work is well advanced to refine this estimate and detailed and costed action plans will be available by the end of October 1997.