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Data (Use and Access) Bill [HL]

My Lords, I thank all noble Lords who have contributed to this important debate. I will first speak to the issues around accurate recording of sex data before coming on to talk about scientific research.

Throughout the passage of the Bill, we have been clear that digital verification services will be a significant driver of data reliability and productivity. They are absolutely dependent on accurate recording and rigorous management of data. We supported my noble friend Lord Lucas in his original amendments on Report, and we tabled our own amendments from the Front Bench for Lords consideration of Commons amendments last week.

I am grateful to the Minister for her engagement on this issue, and I know she has taken our concerns seriously. That said, we remain concerned about the accurate recording and management of sex data, especially in light of the recent judgment of the Supreme Court. The Government must continue to remain vigilant and to take steps to ensure datasets held by the Government and arm’s-length bodies are, and continue to be, accurate.

3.45 pm

On the definition of scientific research, I should put on record my thanks to the noble Viscount, Lord Colville, who has led on this. We absolutely recognise the points he has been raising, and his amendments have been both inventive and constructive, trying to deliver a better definition of scientific research on the face of the Bill. I am pleased that Ministers have engaged with him on this problem.

Despite our remaining concerns on both those issues, we feel we have made our views clear to Ministers and, although they have chosen not to act—which, I am afraid, we believe they may come to regret—we must be responsible in our scrutiny. We will not, therefore, oppose the Government’s Motions today.