Written question asked by Earl of Northesk (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Davies of Oldham (Labour) on Monday, 21 January 2008.

Government: Data Transfer Protocols

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the security arrangements and protocols for the transfer of sensitive or confidential data from government departments and agencies to Eurostat and other European Union organisations are adequate; and

Answer: The Government use a secure infrastructure for transmission of data to European Union institutions—the TESTA EU Commission network—and the organisation of transfers using this network, or transmission of data by any other means, is the responsibility of individual departments, in accordance with a memorandum of understanding between the European Commission and the UK. I also refer the noble Lord to the Statement made by my right honourable friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007 (Official Report, col. 1179). The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. On 17 December, the Cabinet Office published an interim progress report (Official Report, col. WS 69). Copies are available in the Library. A further report is expected in spring 2008.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 778; 698 c15-6WA
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Engagements
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Oral answers to questions
House of Commons; Engagements
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Oral questions
House of Commons; Data: Storage and Use
Monday, 17 December 2007
Written statements
House of Lords
Subjects: Data protection Data transmission Government departments EU institutions Security Eurostat
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk