Letter: Blame for 2000 bug

Sir: I was amused to read the recommendations of Barbara Roche, the Minister for Industry (letter, 24 September) that "action must be taken now to ensure all computer systems work smoothly at the beginning of the year 2000". The received wisdom in the computing world is that if you have major computer systems and haven't started work, it's already too late. There just aren't enough people with the required skills to do the work in the time left. Does the Government have contingency plans in case this applies to the computer systems for which it is responsible?

ANGUS JOHNSON

Tonbridge, Kent