§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services under what circumstances his Department passes on information to the Home Office about a hospital patient or social security claimant; and if the person's consent is obtained in all such cases beforehand.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinThe Home Office may ask my Department for a report from the medical adviser of anyone applying for an extension of stay, or appealing against refusal of an extension or a deportation order, if the continuing receipt of medical treatment is material to the case and if permission is given by the person concerned.
My Department may seek information from the Home Office about the length and conditions of stay of a visitor from abroad who seeks non-emergency NHS treatment and about whose eligibility for that treatment there is some doubt: for this purpose minimum identifying information is given to the Home Office. The visitor's consent is not sought in these cases.
Medical inspectors appointed by the Department advise Home Office immigration officers on the fitness of a person for entry or repatriation, and such a person may be referred to a hospital for treatment.
Information about special hospital patients is passed to the Home Office to enable the Home Secretary to discharge his responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 1959 and the Criminal Procedure (Insanity) Act 1964. The patient's consent is not sought in these cases.
Information relating to social security claimants may be given to the Home Office with the consent of the person concerned in circumstances where it is desirable to do so. Information may also be given, without consent, where someone from abroad admitted for a temporary period and subject to immigration conditions is receiving supplementary benefit in circumstances which may have a bearing on his eligibility to remain.