Clause 2 - Electronic access to information
Social Security Fraud Bill [Lords]
9:55 am
Mr Peter Atkinson (Hexham, Conservative)
I beg to move amendment No. 27, in page 5, line 28, at end insert `; and
(e) such arrangements as are necessary to provide that person with a report upon the investigation should they either be incidental to the investigation in process or, if the subject of that investigation, found to be innocent of any wrongdoing'.
The amendment pursues a similar line to amendment No. 26. We are trying to change the balance in the Bill in favour of the information provider. As drafted, the Secretary of State can demand access to information under a system established by the Bill that may not suit the provider of that information. The amendment seeks to place a safeguard in the Bill to ensure that all investigations are policed properly and can be held up to scrutiny by those who find themselves subject to the information-obtaining powers. It provides a safety net for investigating officers and benefit claimants.
Liberty picked up on the problem during the consultation process, and is anxious that complete records should be kept on the use of the information-obtaining powers, by the investigators and the people and organisations from which information is required. We are seeking assurance on that matter.