§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what data information systems his Department has(a) agreed and (b) been consulted about with a view to taking part in; what are the criteria for inclusion in such systems; whether they will be linked to (i) the police national computer and (ii) other computer systems; what data protection provisions apply to them; and if he will make a statement.
427W
§ Mr. LeighThe Department utilises a wide range of information technology systems to provide support in the conduct of its business. A number of these use information from external sources, both within the United Kingdom and in Europe. This information is often commercially available, and increasingly it is available electronically. Furthermore, the Department uses IT systems to provide modern communication facilities such as electronic mail.
Although much of the Departmental information is not of a personal nature and therefore not subject to the Data Protection Act, in those instances where personal information forms any part of an IT system its use is registered as required under the Data Protection Act. Registration information is available from the Data Protection Registrar. The Department's central personnel system is computerised, and data are exchanged between this system and the HM Treasury pay system at Chessington.