Written question asked by Michael Fabricant (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 November 2004. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 November 2004 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what procedures are in place (a) to check the criminal records of civil servants in her Department and agencies responsible to her Department 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 she will make a statement.

Answer: Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what procedures are in place (a) to check the criminal records of civil servants in her Department and agencies responsible to her Department 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 she will make a statement. [194599] Ms Hewitt: The information is as follows: (a) The DTI has a framework of personnel security controls that are applied to civil servants who, in the course of their work, have access to computer databases containing confidential information on the public; and (b) all access to DTI systems and databases is authenticated and audited to prevent improper use and to keep a record of the actions of legitimate users.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 194599; 426 c207W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Data protection Databases Criminal records Civil servants Department of Trade and Industry Government departments Vetting
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk