HC Deb 03 March 2003 vol 400 c850W
Simon Hughes

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the databases inherited by CAFCASS on 1 April 2001 will no longer be required. [99544]

Ms Rosie Winterton

The databases inherited by CAFCASS from its predecessors will no longer be required when CAFCASS has alternative service-wide systems in place. User consultation has taken place and CAFCASS is currently examining its options for the most appropriate IT solution to its organisational requirements.

Simon Hughes

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how long it takes to make a file on a CAFCASS client available on request, and at what cost. [99545]

Ms Rosie Winterton

CAFCASS clients have access to documents in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act (DPA) 1998 and associated rules and regulations, including those governing court proceedings. CAFCASS applies the standard DPA provisions to the timescale for the release of information—aiming to complete all requests within 40 days. Relevant documents are made available on payment of a fee of £10.