HC Deb 08 February 1994 vol 237 cc195-6W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the outcome of discussions held with the Data Protection Registrar relating to the use of copyright legislation to protect the privacy of individuals whose personal data are contained in medical records; what discussions were held on whether copyright legislation would prevent the use of medical records for other purposes by another Department of State; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Sackville

There have been no discussions with the Data Protection Registrar relating to the use of copyright legislation to protect the privacy of individuals whose personal data are contained in medical records. The confidentiality of personal data in medical records is protected by the common law, health professionals' ethical responsibilities and, in the case of computerised data, the Data Protection Act 1984.

The only discussions with the Data Protection Registrar regarding copyright have been about the use of Crown copyright to ensure national health service numbers are used only for NHS purposes.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment she has made of whether the personal data to be contained in an NHS administrative register are more sensitive than the personal data contained in community charges registers were; and if she will make a statement;

(2) what plans she has to protect personal data to be contained in NHS administrative registers in the same way as the Government afforded protection to personal data contained in community charge registers; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Sackville

Security and confidentiality of personal data to be held in the national health service administrative register will be carefully protected. Measures to secure this are being developed and tested. Data will be available only to those who need to know it for NHS purposes, and the Data Protection Act 1984 will be complied with.