Short asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is yet in a position to announce his conclusions on the Lindop committee's report on data protection; what discussions he has had, and with whom, on the committee's recommendations; and if he will make a further statement.

The issues raised by the committee's report are complex and wide ranging; I am considering them in the light of the outcome of the extensive consultations throughout the public and private sectors that were initiated by my predecessor.