§ 16. Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the law of privacy.
§ Mr. Alexander W. LyonWe continue to receive a small number of representations from hon. Members and others on various aspects of privacy. As the House will be aware, the Government published a White Paper on Computers and Privacy on 16th December.
§ Mr. BeithDoes the Minister conclude from representations that there is wide spread support, as I believe there is, for his decision to take action in this matter? When will the promised data collection committee be set up? Will he give some hope that legislation to amend the situation will not take as long as the Younger Committee took, because there are areas of activity, such as credit agencies, where early action is desirable?
§ Mr. LyonWe hope to establish a data protection committee in the near future and are at present considering the names for its membership. The wider recommendations of the Younger Committee and the implications for more general areas of privacy are now under discussion.
§ Mr. LeeIf a Private Member's Bill embodying proposals in this respect were 572 introduced, would it receive Government support and be given a fair wind?