Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 17 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 October 2002. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Monday, 14 October 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the potential health implications resulting from (a) repeated iris scans and (b) repeated retina scans. - (Holding answer 22 July 2002).

Answer: Noman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the potential health implications resulting from (a) repeated iris scans and (b) repeated retina scans. [71796] Mr. Lammy [holding answer 22 July 2002]: The use of iris or retinal scanning systems in order to verify the identity of an individual is a relatively new development. This Department and the Health and Safety Executive are not aware of any evidence that repeated scanning is likely to be a health and safety problem for users. Existing health and safety law requires employers wishing to market and use this technology to undertake an adequate risk assessment of its safety so that appropriate control measures can be specified and used as necessary.

Secondary information