HC Deb 05 July 1972 vol 840 cc524-5
6. Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement about the personal information being processed by his Department's vehicle licensing computer at Swansea, and its use by commercial organisations.

Mr. Peyton

The personal information required by the Department will be available on the same basis as before; that is, the name and address of vehicle owners will be given to local authorities, the police and others showing "reasonable cause". Only personal information which is provided voluntarily by the public will be made available to the motor industry.

Mr. Huckfield

What business can the right hon. Gentleman's Department have in asking those who register new cars, their age, their sex, and their financial means of purchasing their cars? What possible business can the Department have in so inquiring? Will information go to commercial organisations and, if so, what rules will govern confidentiality?

Mr. Peyton

The information which goes to commercial organisations—that is, the motor industry—will only be information which is given voluntarily by the public. At the time of its inception the form was thought to be one helpful to the customer, the motor industry and the Government.

Mr. McBride

I accept that a high sense of confidentiality will be observed in the Swansea office. More important, however, can the right hon. Gentleman say when the central vehicle licensing office which is to be situated in my constituency will become fully operational?

Mr. Peyton

I beg the hon. Gentleman's pardon, but I did not quite get the point about his constituency.

Mr. McBride

When will the central vehicle licensing office become fully operational in Swansea?

Mr. Peyton

That is another question but I think that it will be within the next two years. If the hon. Gentleman cares to put down a Question on the subject, I will try to answer it.