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Treasury

Answer

Michael Fabricant: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what procedures are in place (a) to check the criminal records of civil servants in his Department and agencies responsible to his Department, including the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise, who have access to computer databases containing confidential information on the public and (b) to ensure that there can be no improper use of computer databases containing confidential information on the public; and if he will make a statement. [194597] Mr. Timms: The Chancellor's Departments and agencies have systems in place to ensure that appropriate character and security checks are carried out prior to unconditional offers of employment being made. Security clearance procedures are carried out in line with Cabinet Office guidance and reviewed at regular intervals. All staff are made aware of their obligation to maintain the confidentiality of data and information and that any misuse of departmental systems, or failure to follow established security procedures or policies, may lead to disciplinary action. Procedures are in place for serving staff to report any convictions.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

194597; 426 c498W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Access Data protection Databases Criminal records Customs and Excise Civil servants Inland Revenue Government departments Vetting Treasury

Link

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