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Data Protection and Freedom of Information

Following on from the intervention made by the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Rob Marris), I wonder whether the Secretary of State has addressed the fact that official organisations often ask for information—for example, if one is involved in a telephone exchange with them about some matter—but do not make it clear that supplying it is voluntary, rather than compulsory. Could clear guidelines be given to show that where a Government official or agency of Government asks someone questions, they should indicate that the provision of that information is voluntary—one can give it, but one is at liberty not to do so? An example of such information might be an office phone number or a date of birth, which may not be required for the exchange.