§ Mr. CohenTo ask the President of the Board of Trade on what occasions certificates under section 27 of the Data Protection Act 1984 were signed by a member of his Department; for how long each certificate was valid; and in what circumstances personal details held by his Department can be used for the purpose of safeguarding national security. [5336]
Mr. John M. TaylorInquiries completed in the time available indicate that no exemptions under section 27 of the Data Protection Act 1984 have been signed by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade in the period since the reply by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry and Energy, 15 April 1993,Official Report, column 707. If my further inquiries reveal that exemptions have been authorised during that period I will respond further to the hon. Member. In accordance with section 27 of the Act, a certificate may be signed by the President if an exemption is required for the purpose of safeguarding national security. Such a certificate is conclusive evidence of the fact that exemption is, or at any time was, required.