HC Deb 14 December 2000 vol 359 c267W
Charlotte Atkins

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he has issued to local authorities regarding CCTV cameras, with special reference to(a) who has access to the film, (b) for what purposes and in what circumstances the film may be used, (c) the monitoring procedure to ensure film is not mis-used and (d) introducing a complaints procedure for the mis-use of CCTV footage. [142311]

Mr. Charles Clarke

We are advising crime and disorder reduction partnerships to adhere closely to the Data Protection Commissioner's code of practice for users of public space closed circuit television (CCTV) systems. The code outlines legally enforceable standards and makes good practice recommendations on compliance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. It includes advice on subject access, disclosure of images, information security, monitoring procedures, and the requirement for a complaints procedure. A copy is available on the Commissioner's website: www.dataprotection.gov.uk.

All schemes funded under the Crime Reduction Programme, CCTV Initiative are required to operate under codes of practice designed to ensure their fair and lawful use. Before schemes are approved, individual codes of practice are assessed to ensure they take due account of the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.