HC Deb 23 January 1996 vol 270 cc138-9
11. Mr. Jamieson

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many disciplinary actions have been taken against employees of the CSA who have breached confidentiality of clients. [8799]

Mr. Andrew Mitchell

Twenty staff have been disciplined for breaches of confidentiality since the agency was set up in 1993.

Mr. Jamieson

Is the Minister aware of the case of Mr. Marc Carder of Plymouth, the personal and intimate details of whose case notes were leaked to the media by a member of the Child Support Agency, which led to headlines about his case in the Evening Herald? First, what will the Minister do to recompense Mr. Carder? Secondly, what will he do to ensure that such action cannot happen again? Thirdly, what he has done about the employee who leaked those details?

Mr. Mitchell

I can tell the hon. Gentleman that the employee who leaked those details has been sacked. The CSA takes breaches of confidentiality very seriously. Three members of staff have been sacked for that offence; all three came from the Plymouth CSA centre.