Written question asked by James Clappison (Conservative) on Tuesday, 22 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 October 2002. It was answered by John Healey (Labour) on Monday, 28 October 2002 on behalf of the Treasury.

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Treasury

Question

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the use of Digicerts supplied by Equifax to UK firms must comply with USA export law and regulations, with particular reference to those imposing trade sanctions on other countries; what assessment he has made of the legal liability of those using Digicerts; whether the Government has carried out an audit of Equifax data systems; if he will make a statement on the award of the contract to Equifax as a supplier of Digicerts; what representations he has received concerning the New Export System for non-European Community exports; what assessment he has made of the application of the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 to information supplied under the New Export System; and what assessment he has made of the compliance of the Equifax digital application procedure with the Act; what agreements must be entered into by those applying for Digicerts from Equifax and whether (a) UK and (b) US law governs the use of Digicerts supplied to UK companies by Equifax; whether (a) individuals and (b) organisations may apply for Digicerts; whether Digicerts supplied to UK companies by Equifax can be used in the course of exports to (a) Cuba and (b) Iran; what information must be supplied by applicants for Digicerts; and what protection is given concerning the use of such information; what assessment he has made of the role of Digital Certificates in the new export system; and if he will list Government approved Digicert-issuing bodies.

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Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

391 c608-10W;391 c605-7W; 77126;77130;77124;77128;77132;77123;77127;77131;77125;77129;77133

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Data protection Customs and Excise Companies Administration Certification ICT Exports Electronic commerce Equifax Digital certificates

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk