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Dept for Transport

Answer

Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 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 Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, 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. [194598] Charlotte Atkins: All DfT and Agency staff, including DVLA, undergo a Basic Check on recruitment, which includes a self-declaration regarding criminal convictions. Human Resources carry out criminal record checks on all DfT posts that require security clearance, and serving staff are required to declare/report any criminal charges/convictions. To ensure that there can be no improper use of computer databases containing confidential information on the public, DfT and Agencies enforce the "need to know" principle. Appropriate access controls to systems, comprehensive auditing and tracking are also carried out and staff are instructed on computer misuse policies and made aware of current legislation including the Data Protection Act etc.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

194598; 426 c155-6W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Access Data protection Databases Criminal records Computers Civil servants Department for Transport Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Personal records Vetting Security

Link

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