§ Lord Hardy of Wathasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider it acceptable for the Data Protection Act 1984 to provide protection when an imprisoned offender confesses to other crimes and can then neither be named nor pursued for compensation. [HL1004]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe Data Protection Act 1984 applies only to computerised personal information. It does not necessarily prohibit the disclosure of such information, but regulates the circumstances in which it may be disclosed. Those wishing to hold personal data must register the relevant details with the Data Protection Registrar and comply with the Act's data protection principles. Provided these requirements are addressed, a disclosure of personal data would not be prohibited.
The Registrar is responsible for supervising and enforcing the 1984 Act. If a concern with its operation in a particular case has been identified, the matter should be brought to her attention so that she may provide detailed advice. Her address is Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.