To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what funding is presently committed from his departmental budget for (a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000 to resolve the year 2000 computer problem; and if he will make a statement. [11899]

Current commitments from the central information technology budget to resolve the year 2000 computer problem are:

(a) 1997–98: £2,500,000

(b) 1998–99: £1,400,000

(c) 1999–2000: £750,000

making a total of £4,650,000. Further expenditure—to take the figure up to an estimated £7 million in total—is expected as detailed plans are finalised over the coming month.Costs will be met from existing public expenditure survey provision. The Department is working in line with guidance published by the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency; detailed and costed plans will be supplied by the end of October 1997.