HL Deb 15 June 2004 vol 662 c65WA
The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to ensure that data collected by government departments and their agencies are not subject to inappropriate and illegal access by the staff of such organisations. [HL2536]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

The Data Protection Act 1998 provides the framework for the processing of personal data. Departments take these requirements into consideration when developing their policies on the use and storage of data they hold. Each department's and agency's management code will set out the disciplinary procedures that will apply within their own organisation including the types of offences that can lead to dismissal.

The Department for Constitutional Affairs is currently developing a public service guarantee on data handling which will give guidance to the general public on the standards that public bodies should adher to when handling personal data.