§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will strengthen the right of access518W to police files of persons who have complained of abuse while (a) in care and (b) their carers were under investigation; and if he will make a statement. [140004]
§ Mr. Charles Clarke[holding answer 27 November 2000]: The Freedom of Information Bill, which finished its parliamentary stages yesterday, and I hope will be enacted very shortly, creates a right of access to personal information held by the police where the disclosure would be consistent with the data protection principles set out in the Data Protection Act 1998.