HC Deb 23 February 1972 vol 831 cc1282-3
37. Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what code of conduct governs those civil servants with access to, or involved in, computer projects in Government Departments.

Mr. David Howell

Civil servants concerned with computer projects are subject to the same general rules about conduct as those laid down for other civil servants. In addition, there are stringent statutory provisions protecting particular classes of information; for example, under the Statistics of Trade Act, 1947. The detailed application of these rules is the responsibility of individual Departments.

Mr. Huckfield

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that none of those rules and regulations to which he has referred applies specifically to computerised installations? Is he also aware that the Prime Minister has been sitting on that Front Bench for the past year telling me that there is nothing to worry about concerning the confidentiality of Government information? Bearing in mind the large numbers of Government Departments which are now bringing computers into use, is it not about time that we had a code of conduct specifically covering this kind of installation?

Mr. Howell

I am aware of the hon. Gentleman's great interest in this issue. He may like to know that the survey on the use of Government computers to record personal details is very near completion and that the Government will then consider whether further action should be taken to safeguard personal details. In this consideration we shall take account of the recommendations to be made by the Younger Committee on Privacy.

Mr. English

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware, however, that after 1st January, 1973, his remarks may not be valid at all? The only secrets protected by the European Communities Bill are those relating to atomic energy. Yet the Bill provides that all information in the possession of the Government can be given to institutions of the Community and contains no provision for protecting anything other than that which I have mentioned.

Mr. Howell

I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's assertions on that matter. This is obviously a much wider question. If he wants to ask me about it and puts down a Question, I will do my best to answer it.