Mr. Dalyell asked the Prime Minister if she will consider transferring responsibility for the implementation of the recommendations of Sir Norman Lindop's committee on data protection from the Home Office to the Department of Industry; and if she will make a statement.

The Prime Minister: Our proposals for legislation on data protection affect a wide range of interests including 5 Government Departments, the National Health Service, local government, industrial and non-industrial organisations in the private sector and the public at large. I am satisfied that responsibility for co-ordinating action should continue to be exercised by the Home Secretary.