Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 December 1996. It was answered by Oliver Heald (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 December 1996 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: What assessment he made of data matching arrangements in other countires in formulating his recent legislative proposals.

Answer: Mr. Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he made of data matching arrangements in other countries in formulating his recent legislative proposals. [7741] Mr. Heald: The proposals set out in the Social Security Administration (Fraud) Bill for extending checks of relevant data are based on the success of the Department's generalised matching service in identifying fraud. This was developed with the help and expertise of civil servants seconded from the privacy, fraud and control division of the Department of Social Security in Australia, with whom there is continuing contact and co-operation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 7741; 287 c288W;287 c288-9W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Databases Abuse Software Australia Fraud International cooperation Social security
Legislation: Social Security Administration (Fraud) Bill 1996/97