§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has discussed the administration of the new benefit system with the Data Protection Registrar; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloThere has been discussion with the Data Protection Registrar to clarify the data protection requirements in connection with personal data systems administered by the Department, but the administration of the new benefit system has not been discussed specifically. The housing benefit scheme is administered by local authorities who are responsible for the confidentiality of personal data. I refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on Thursday 18 February at columns695–96.