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Dept of Health

Answer

Mr. Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether the proposals to strengthen the powers of the Counter Fraud and Security Management Service announced by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State on 21 October 2004 will require primary legislation; and when he expects to publish the outcome of the consultation process on the proposals; [216183] (2) what powers the Counter Fraud and Security Management Service has to access personal information; and what powers he expects the service will have following the proposed changes announced by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State on 21 October 2004. [216184] Ms Rosie Winterton: Responses to the consultation document Access to Relevant Documents, Records and Data to Counter Fraud are currently being analysed. In accordance with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Consultations a summary of responses will be published within three months of the consultation closing date of 21 January 2005. At this stage, it is too early to say what shape any future measures may take but they will be informed by the outcome of the consultation exercise. The NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management Service (CFSMS) do not currently have any specific powers to require access to personal information. Under the NHS Act 1977 the Secretary of State for Health has directed national health service bodies to co-operate with the CFSMS to enable it to efficiently and effectively carry out its counter fraud functions. This includes the supply of information to the CFSMS unless the supply of such information is prohibited by law.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

431 c1905W;431 c1898W; 216183;216184

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Access Personal records Powers Reform Consultation papers Counter Fraud and Security Management Service

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk