HL Deb 27 January 1970 vol 307 cc377-8WA
LORD WINDLESHAM

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (1) Which Minister is responsible for co-ordinating Government policy as regards the implications for privacy in the development and use of computers.
  2. (2) When they will make a statement on this matter and on the wider implications of the individual's right to privacy.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My right honourable friend the Home Secretary is responsible for co-ordinating Government policy on the implications for privacy in the development and use of computers. He will keep in touch with me on the wider issues that arise as well as with the Secretary of State for Scotland. On January 23, in another place, he stated Her Majesty's Government's policy on this matter and announced the intention to set up a Committee with the following terms of reference: To consider whether legislation is needed to give further protect on to the individual citizen and to commercial and industrial interests against intrusions into privacy by private persons and organisations or by companies, and to make recommendations.

Mr. Kenneth Younger has kindly consented to be the Chairman of the Committee.

House adjourned at eight minutes past eight o'clock.