§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to ensure confidentiality of patients' files under the Data Protection Bill [Lords].
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeIn addition to the safeguards introduced by the Bill itself, we propose to consult widely on a draft code drawn up in consultation with the health professions which would place further restrictions on disclosure of personal health data held within the National Health Service. This could be given statutory force under the National Health Service Act 1977. A power exists in the Bill to enable my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary to place similar restrictions on the disclosure of personal health data held outside the National Health Service.