HL Deb 08 July 2003 vol 651 cc27-8WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have authorised police inquiries into Ukrainian former members of the German SS who may be in Britain; and whether, and on what grounds, the National Health Service has any right or duty to release medical records in respect of such persons without consent. [HL3630]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Metropolitan Police have a remit to investigate any allegation of war crimes. The police are conducting an ongoing investigation into the activities of the 14th Waffen S.S. (Galicia) Division. The Government are fully committed to bringing war criminals to justice, and fully co-operate with and support the Metropolitan Police.

If medical information identifies, or may identify, an individual, the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 must be met. The Act outlines information that must not be shared or disclosed without the patient's consent, unless there is robust public interest justification or a statutory basis to do so, including a court order. The police are not using National Health Service records of alleged members of the 14th Waffen SS as part of their investigation.