HC Deb 15 March 1978 vol 946 cc238-9W
Mr. Adley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he or other Ministers in the Treasury may have access to personal files without the specifie consent of the individual concerned; if any such rules apply to other Ministers, and under what circumstances.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

Files on personal matters relating to exchange control may need to be seen by Treasury Ministers without the specfic consent of the individual concerned, in exercise of powers under the Exchange Control Act 1947. As regards the Inland Revenue and the Customs and Excise, arrangements for collection and management of their taxes and duties are the legal responsibility or the Commissioners of the two Departments. It is not their practice to transmit personal files to Treasury or other Ministers.