§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what data information systems his Department has(a) agreed and (b) been consulted about with a view to taking part in; what are the criteria for inclusion in such systems; whether they will be linked to (i) the police national computer and (ii) other computer systems; what data protection provisions apply to them; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryThe Department has a large number of information systems in use. A central record of the functions of these systems is being set up, but is still in its early stages and it is not possible to provide the required information on the data systems or on any links with other systems until this work is complete. All systems containing details of individuals are registered under the Data Protection Act. There are 37 such registrations covering approximately 850 sub-systems, all of which comply fully with the requirements of the Act. None is linked to the police national computer.