§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what representations he has received from the Data Protection Commissioner about the accuracy of criminal records held on the Police National Computer; [142433]
(2) what estimate he has made of the (a) number and (b) percentage of criminal records held on the Police National Computer which contain significant inaccuracies or errors. [142432]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeWhile there is no precise indication of the incidence of significant inaccuracies, we fully share the concerns that the Data Protection Commissioner has expressed about both delays in inputting data onto the Police National Computer, and inaccuracies on the system. We have therefore welcomed the Compliance Strategy which has been drawn up by the Association of Chief Police Officers, and which sets quantified performance indicators for police forces in terms of both timeliness and accuracy. Forces have been required to submit by February action plans for implementing the strategy.
§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what performance standards he has set for the operation by Capita of the Criminal Records Bureau's information systems; [142426]
(2) what arrangements he has made to ensure that errors in records held on the Police National Computer and supplied to employers by the Criminal Records Agency can be corrected. [142434]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeCertificates will be prepared by the Criminal Records Bureau only on the application of individuals. Certificates will be issued to the applicant, who will thus be in a position to challenge any inaccuracy. Arrangements will be in place to respond promptly to any such case. The contract with Capita, which was awarded after a rigorous competitive tendering procedure, specifies performance standards covering a wide range of matters. Further detailed standards are currently being defined.110W Standards include arrangements for checking the identity of applicants. They will take into account further discussions with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, which is being kept informed. Standards for service to the public will be published.