HC Deb 27 February 1978 vol 945 cc49-50W
Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services to whom the contents of files held by his Department and relating to individuals may be disclosed; and in what circumstances.

Mr. Ennals

Information in my Department's records concerning individuals is held in strict confidence and is not disclosed to third parties without the consent of the person concerned. In exceptional circumstances, information may be disclosed in the departmental and public interest to other Departments or public bodies, principally to prevent the duplication of payments from public funds, to meet statutory or welfare requirements and to assist the police in the prosecution of cases other than trivial crime.

Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what change there has been since April 1976 in the rules regard- ing the confidentiality of files held by his Department relating to individuals.

Mr. Ennals

None.