HC Deb 13 January 1997 vol 288 c156W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what was the largest amount of public money paid by way of grants and other financial assistance by his Department to a private individual in each year since 1990; [9435]

(2) if he will list the grants and other financial assistance which are paid to private individuals whose identity is kept confidential. [9436]

Mr. Boswell

MAFF's financial database does not record the legal status of payees. The information requested in respect of private individuals is therefore not readily available and could not be produced without disproportionate cost.

Mr. Prentice

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to make public the names of private individuals in receipt of grants and other financial assistance from his Department above a given level. [9434]

Mr. Boswell

The registration of the system holding these data, under the Data Protection Act 1984, does not allow for the publication of information concerning individuals. I have no plans to change the position.