§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will summarise the legal advice she has received as to whether the use of the NHS number is protected by Crown copyright; if she will place a copy of that advice in the Library; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe new national health service number develops a system that has been in place since the commencement of the NHS. The NHS number system is Crown copyright and, as such, unauthorised use can be pursued in the context of Crown copyright and intellectual property rights in general. This position has been confirmed by departmental solicitors. We do not consider it appropriate to publicise advice received in the manner suggested.