First Minister dodging data questions (North Tayside Liberal Democrats)

North Tayside Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

First Minister dodging data questions

February 26, 2009 6:39 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Robert Brown MSP, Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson, has accused the First Minister of dodging questions on data sharing powers that could be used in the UK Government's ID card scheme.

Mr Brown has been a vocal critic of a clause in the Coroners and Justice Bill that would allow UK Ministers to get Scottish bodies to share information with UK Government bodies. This could be done without any scrutiny from the Scottish Parliament.

Commenting after questioning the First Minister, Mr Brown said:

"In his answer, the First Minister waxed lyrical about how data sharing is not inherently bad and can be used for the good of society. That is not disputed, although he didn't seem to be bothered by the risks associated.

"What the First Minister failed to address, however, and what the Scottish Government has consistently failed to address, is what information should be shared and what that information is used for.

"Both the First Minister and Justice Secretary remain remarkably cavalier in their attitude towards the true implications of the Coroners and Justice Bill. Instead of dodging questions in the Scottish Parliament, they should be asking questions of the UK Government.

"The Scottish Government talks like a lion but acts like a mouse. The Justice Secretary must seek assurances that any information shared will not be used for the ill conceived ID card scheme."