HC Deb 07 March 1986 vol 93 cc303-4W
Mr. Lilley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what steps have been taken to inform holders of data bases of the requirement to register under the Data Protection Act;

(2) what steps have been taken to public the procedure by which holders of data bases should register under the Data Protection Act.

Mr. Waddington

The Data Protection Registrar commissioned a national advertising campaign about the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1984 at the end of last year, and a further campaign is to be launched shortly aimed at reminding those affected by the Act that they must register their data holdings by 11 May. In addition, the Registrar and members of his staff have given many talks to business organisations and others about the Act's provisions. The Registrar has issued a number of booklets about the requirements of the Act which are available free of charge.

Mr. Lilley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken to inform associations, clubs and societies of any circumstances under which they might be required to register data bases under the Data Protection Act.

Mr. Waddington

The publicity campaigns commissioned by the Data Protection Registrar have been aimed at all data users who might be affected by the Data Protection Act 1984, including associations, clubs and societies. The Registrar has also given guidance to representative bodies in the voluntary sector.

Mr. Lilley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes to issue any guidance to Members of Parliament relating to the implications of the Data Protection Act for the keeping of records on computers relating to their constituents.

Mr. Waddington

No; but the general advice issued by the Data Protection Registrar will, I think, be found helpful to Members, and I understand that an article on the subject, written after consultation with the Registrar, is to appear inThe House Magazine.