HC Deb 13 April 1972 vol 834 c1412
8. Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what research is presently being undertaken by her Department into the computerised filing of data on children at school.

Mr. van Straubenzee

None, Sir.

Mr. Huckfield

Is not the hon. Gentle man aware that some local authorities are actively engaged in putting on computerised files educational and other data about school children? Is he not concerned that these data files include teachers' assessments of pupils which may remain with them for the rest of their lives? Is he not concerned that his Department is not doing very much about this? Will he ensure that his right hon. Friend at least looks into it and—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman has already asked four questions.

Mr. van Straubenzee

I am aware of the pilot project to which the hon. Gentleman referred and in respect of which, he will recall, he had an Adjournment debate rather under a year ago. I am asked whether my Department will conduct research into the matter. The answer is, "No". The confidentiality of records is not something that is brought out afresh by virtue of the records being computerised.