To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how health and safety issues arising from the year 2000 computer problem are being addressed by his Department. [18026]

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has commissioned research into the safety-critical aspects of date discontinuity problems associated with the year 2000 computer problem and the research will be published shortly. HSE has also established a committee within government to ensure that the results of this research and other experience can be shared with enforcing authorities and used as a basis of advice to dutyholders who may have safety-critical systems. Further guidance will be published next year. Health and Safety inspectors will remind dutyholders of their legal responsibilities to make sure that control systems are safe and will take enforcement action where the risks and circumstances justify it.