asked the Attorney-General what discussions he has had with, and what advice was received from, the Data Protection Registrar in relation to his policy on taking out prosecutions under the Official Secrets Act in preference to under the Data Protection Act in cases involving abuse of the police national computer.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has had general policy discussions with the Data Protection Registrar, but none on the specific point raised by the hon. Member. The director considers each case on its own merits.