§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what arrangements are made by institutions of higher education in England for allowing students to have access to their own examination results and to other academic or personal assessments about themselves; what guidance he has issued on this matter:, whether he proposes to take any steps to encourage them to allow greater access both to automated and non-automated records; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeThe arrangements made by institutions are a matter for them and will vary. My right hon. Friend has offered no guidance on this subject to date and has no 173W present plans to do so. He is, however, aware of the increasing public debate in this area and will take note of any arguments which may be advanced. The Data Protection Bill will, of course, create a general entitlement to access by individuals to automated personal records held on them when it comes into operation.