§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many exemption certificates have been issued on the grounds of national security since the implementation of the Data Protection Act 1998. [151119]
§ Mr. Straw[holding answer 26 January 2001]: Since the Act came into force I have signed one certificate, which relates to categories of personal data held by the Security Service. In addition, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has signed two certificates which relate to categories of personal data held by the Government Communication Headquarters (GCHQ) and the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) respectively.