Hansard

Information Commissioner

Volume 698: debated on Thursday 24 January 2008

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Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What guidance they have issued to government departments on when the Information Commissioner's Office should be consulted on proposed legislation and policy development. [HL1306]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice
(Lord Hunt of Kings Heath)

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has issued general legal guidance on the application of the Data Protection Act for those processing data in the public sector.

The MoJ has not issued guidance to government departments on when the Information Commissioner's Office should be consulted on proposed legislation and policy development. However government departments regularly consult the Information Commissioner's Office on these matters. The MoJ is also normally involved in the development of policies which involve data protection issues and encourages the involvement of the Information Commissioner.