Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 21 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 March 2006. It was answered by Andy Burnham (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 March 2006 on behalf of the Home Office.

Data-mining

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 20 March 2006, Official Report, column 114W, on data-mining, what checks and balances have been introduced since the practice of data-mining began.

Answer: As part of their role in protecting the confidentiality of statistical data within their care the Office for National Statistics has issued guidelines on the access of statistical data. Where statistical data includes data specifically collected through censuses and surveys for statistical purposes, as well as data derived from administrative systems. Details of the latest version of these guidelines can be found in the National Statistics code of practice: Protocol on Data Access and Confidentiality which can be accessed at: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/about_ns/cop/default.asp A statement that sets out how my Department fits into the code of practice can be found on the Home Office website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/statsprog1.html In addition, in November 2005 the Council for Science and Technology published their report—‘Better use of personal information—opportunities and risks of wider data sharing.'This report looks at practical ways we can better share personal data and the sorts of constraints and controls that need to be in place to retain a proper balance between achieving the benefits of promoting greater access and protecting the individual citizen. Paul Wiles, the Home Office chief scientific advisor, is working closely with colleagues across Government to develop a detailed action plan in response to this report on how the reports recommendations can be appropriately reflected in any future work done in this area.

Secondary information