Written question asked by Jacqui Lait (Conservative) on Monday, 12 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 June 2000. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Monday, 19 June 2000 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what advice he has given to the Data Protection Commissioner about the confidentiality of medical patient records under the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. - None.

Answer: Mrs. Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he has given to the Data Protection Commissioner about the confidentiality of medical patient records under the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. [126086] Mr. Mike O'Brien: None. The Data Protection Commissioner is fully independent of the Government. In carrying out her functions, she takes advice from no Minister. Rather, it is she who gives advice to the Government on data protection matters. Individuals' medical records are covered by the Data Protection Act 1998. The requirements of the 1998 Act, including the Data Protection principles, apply to them as to any other personal data. It will be for the Commissioner to give any advice that might be needed about the particular implications of the 1998 Act given the confidential nature of medical records.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 126086; 352 c90W
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Disclosure of information Data protection Medical records Data Protection Commissioner
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk