§ Mr. Cohenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in relation to the planned computer network proposed by Electronic Data Systems, what kind of data he proposes to obtain from or transfer to the Home Office; what is the anticipated number of such transfers; and for what purpose those transfers will take place.
§ Mr. BrookeFormal proposals in relation to the provision of a Government data network have yet to be received from Electronic Data Systems or from elsewhere in the private sector. If such a network is established there are at present no plans to use it for the exchange of information between Inland Revenue and the Home Office. There are also no plans for exchange of information between the Home Office and HM Customs and Excise, other than the properly authorised transfer on exising networks which provide an inquiry-only service on the vehicle keepers index held on the police national computer unit. A formal decision has yet to be made as to whether the PNCU network would be transferred to the Government data network, if it were established.
§ Mr. Cohenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in relation to the planned computer network proposed by 708W Electronic Data Systems, what kind of data he proposes to obtain from or transfer to the Department of Health and Social Security; what is the anticipated number of such transfers; and for what purpose those transfers will take place.
§ Mr. BrookeFormal proposals in relation to the provision of a Government data network have yet to be received from Electronic Data Systems or from elsewhere in the private sector. If such a network is established it is expected that the Inland Revenue will, in due course, wish to use the facility, with appropriate safeguards to protect confidentiality, to transfer information relating to income tax deductions and taxable national insurance benefits between the two Departments. This information, currently exchanged on magnetic tape, helps the Inland Revenue to calculate the correct income tax liability.
The number of such transfers is primarily determined by the number of individuals who are in employment or receive taxable national insurance benefits.
If such a network is established there are at present no plans to use it for the exchange of information between Her Majesty's Customs and Excise and DHSS.
§ Mr. Cohenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in relation to the planned computer network proposed by Electronic Data Systems, what kind of data he proposes to obtain from or transfer between the Inland Revenue and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise; what is the anticipated number of such transfers; and for what purpose those transfers will take place.
§ Mr. BrookeFormal proposals in relation to the provision of a Government data network have yet to be received from Electronic Data Systems or from elsewhere in the private sector. If such a network is established there are at present no plans to use it for the exchange of information between Inland Revenue and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise.