§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent representations he has received on the effects of the poll tax registration procedures on personal privacy.
§ Mr. GummerThe Government have no plans to introduce a poll tax and there are no poll tax registration procedures.
I have received a number of representations about the extent of information requested by registration officers in compiling their community charges registers. It is clear that many registration officers have not followed the detailed advice sent to them on this matter. This may well require some change to their procedures if they are to comply with the Data Protection Act 1985. I have every confidence that the community charge arrangements fully protect the personal privacy of all citizens.