§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what undertaking his Department gave to the Data Protection Registrar that the national insurance number would be restricted to tax and benefit-related purposes; if he has been able to keep to that undertaking; what plans he has to introduce legislation to allow the use of the number by the private sector in the Province; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MossThe Data Protection Registrar has been advised that it is departmental policy to restrict use of the national insurance number to national insurance, tax and social security benefit related purposes. As to the application of that policy, a private sector organisation has requested permission to use the national insurance number for personal injuries claims purposes and this is being considered within the terms of the policy. There are no plans to introduce legislation to allow the use of the national insurance number by the private sector.