To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assistance is provided by the Contributions Agency to adopted people and those separated at an early age in searching for their natural parents; and if she will make a statement. [28678]

Social Security records are confidential and the circumstances in which personal information can be disclosed to a third party are limited. The Department will release information where legislation allows for it, where a court order has been obtained or where the individual concerned has consented to the disclosure.There are no special arrangements in place to assist adopted people and those separated at an early age in searching for their natural parents.