HC Deb 03 February 1999 vol 324 cc625-6W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if a local authority is permitted to merge databases containing personal data which were originally collected for diverse functions, on the grounds that such a merger would improve the economy, efficiency or effectiveness of that authority; and if he will make a statement. [68049]

Mr. Raynsford

In discharging their functions, local authorities must make such arrangements as necessary to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness. Where these arrangements involve the merging of databases containing personal data the Data Protection Act must be complied with. In November 1997 the Audit Commission published a Code of Data Matching Practice for local authorities, and the Data Protection Registrar has indicated that she expects them to comply with the Code's provisions.

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