§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines are issued to staff regarding the handling of telephone inquiries from individuals not known personally who seek potentially sensitive information concerning clients with whom the Department's staff may be dealing; and 345W whether there are plans to revise these guidelines, in the light of any such information having been improperly transmitted.
§ Mr. WhitelawAll Home Office staff are advised of the need for discretion and care in ensuring that an inquirer on the telephone is a proper person to receive the information requested. There are no plans to revise the existing instructions but, if the hon. Member has information which suggests that they have not been complied with, I shall look into the matter.