Written question asked by Lord Carlile of Berriew (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 October 1996. It was answered by John Bowis (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 October 1996 on behalf of the Department of Transport.

Dept of Transport

Question: To comment on the level of (a) security and (b) accuracy of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's computer database. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Alex Carlile: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the level of (a) security and (b) accuracy of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's computer database. [40432] Mr. Bowis: The Driver and Licensing Agency has a computer database security policy which meets Government requirements. The controls in place fully recognise the sensitivities of the date held. The agency meets its targets of between 96 per cent. and 98 per cent. accuracy of data input to the driver and vehicle registers. The principal cause of inaccuracy in the DVLA databases is the failure of those who change their name or address, or buy or sell vehicles, to notify the agency promptly. New and improved vehicle registration procedures to be introduced in 1997 will require the buyer and seller to notify DVLA at the same time on the same form.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 40432; 282 c967W;282 c965W
Session: 1995-96
Subjects: Data protection Databases Computers Executive agencies Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
Contains statistics: Yes