§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many subject access requests under the terms of the Data Protection Act his Department has received; what was his estimate of the number of requests that would be received; what consideration he is giving to the subject access fee charged by his Department as a result; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RyderNo subject access requests have been received by the Treasury since the Act came into effect. Initial estimates of likely volume, based on discussions with the Data Protection Registrar and examination of the experience of other European countries, were that the number would probably be low. Departments agreed that civil servants would not be charged for reasonable access to their records, but that non civil-servants—with legitimate access—would be charged the guideline £10. That is still the Treasury view.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his Department will take positive steps to discuss with the Data Protection Registrar all his Department's legislation that impacts on the use, collection, processing or holding of personal data; and whether he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. RyderI am reminding my officials of the need to consult the registrar about proposed legislation which might affect or be affected by the Data Protection Act 1984.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has discussed his concerns about the direct marketing exploits of financial institutions that promote the uptake of credit with the Data Protection Registrar; and whether he will make a statement.