HC Deb 20 May 1982 vol 24 cc453-4
1. Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many favourable and unfavourable views he has received on the White Paper on data protection.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Timothy Raison)

The White Paper sought comments by 31 May. The views so far received include criticisms of certain features of the proposals, but there has also been widespread acceptance that the Government's approach is a reasonable and balanced one.

Mr. Bennett

Does the Minister accept that many people feel that the White Paper is an example of fudge and compromise which satisfies nobody? It will not give genuine protection to the individual and it is in danger of setting up a bureaucracy that will achieve nothing.

Mr. Raison

The hon. Gentleman's tired platitudes do not help. I believe that this will prove to be the right legislation and that it will be widely accepted.

Mr. Dickens

If the data protection procedures outlined in the White Paper prove to be ineffective, may we have an assurance that there will be a review within 12 months?

Mr. Raison

That is an extremely hypothetical suggestion. I say again that I believe that our measures will prove to be effective and acceptable.

Mr. Christopher Price

The Minister will recall that the Prime Minister said from the Dispatch Box that she hoped that there would be legislation in the Session following the White Paper. May we have a promise to that effect?

Mr. Raison

The hon. Gentleman knows that I am not in a position to make firm promises about next year's legislative programme. However, we want to make progress on this matter.

Mr. Cryer

Is the Minister not concerned that the White Paper contains no provision for the protection of the accumulation of data in, for example, the £20 million Special Branch computer? If there is no authorisation from the House, if the House is not accountable, and if there is no protection of the data, what sort of protection has the ordinary citizen got?

Mr. Raison

As the hon. Gentleman knows, it is clearly understood, and it has been made clear in the European convention on this subject, that matters involving State security are exempt from the legislation.