Written question asked by Adrian Sanders (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 19 October 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 October 1998. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Monday, 26 October 1998 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many police forces currently charge local and health authorities for criminal record checks. - Inc ref to Data Protection Act 1984.

Answer: Mr. Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police forces currently charge local and health authorities for criminal record checks. [55700] Mr. Michael: Under administrative arrangements agreed between the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers, criminal record checks conducted by the police for employment vetting purposes on those who work with children and young people are provided free of charge. Separate and distinct arrangements exist under the Data Protection Act 1984 for individuals to apply to the police for a copy of any information which the police may hold on computers about them, including details of their criminal record. The police are under a statutory obligation to provide this information and, as permitted under the Act, charge £10 for each category of information the individual wishes to access.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 318 c54W; 55700
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Disclosure of information Criminal records Fees and charges Police Vetting Youth work
Contains statistics: Yes