HC Deb 13 June 2003 vol 406 cc312-3W
Mr. Paul Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many sick days were lost over the last year by his Department through staff mental health problems; [112071]

(2) how many of his staff have taken sick leave due to mental health problems in the last year. [111973]

Peter Hain

In a Department of 50 staff I think it would be inappropriate to indicate any cases of sick leave. I have, therefore, concluded that release of the information requested would breach the rules of anonymity and confidentiality for the individuals concerned. I am therefore withholding the information under Exemption 12 (Privacy of an individual) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.