§ Ms. Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what data are held on each index of the Scottish criminal records office computer system; and what are the data fields to be used in accessing the information on each index.
§ Mr. AncramThe data to be held on the Scottish criminal record office computer system, which is not yet in operation, will be restricted to factual details relating to persons convicted of crimes or offences or against whom proceedings are outstanding. In addition, a record will be kept of shotgun and firearm certificate holders and registered dealers to assist chief constables in their functions under the Firearms Act 1968. The means of access to the information on the computer have yet to be finalised, but searches are likely to be possible using names, physical characteristics, types of crime and offence and modus operandi.