§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Minister for the Arts what data information systems his office 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.
§ Mr. RentonThe Office of Arts and Libraries has no major data information system of its own; it has access to the system of the Cabinet Office/Office of the Minister for the Civil Service, with which it is closely associated. It also 429W has a number of stand-alone personal computers to help meet the functions of the Department. My office has not been consulted with a view to taking part in any other data information systems.
There is no current or planned link to the police national computer. An electronic mail link is being planned by the Cabinet Office to operate between each of its major networks and to other Government Departments.
The 1984 Data Protection Act applies, and registrations have been made where appropriate.