Health Bill

The clause outlines the circumstances in which information obtained using powers set out in this part of the Bill can be disclosed by, or on behalf of, the appropriate national authority. It is only right that any information gained through the use of these powers is protected and used appropriately. Information obtained by the use of these powers must not be disclosed until it is required, unless it is required for at least one of the five specific conditions set out in the Bill, or if the patient has given his consent. However, when the information needs to be disclosed for one of the five conditions, the authorised officer will normally seek consent from all relevant individuals and will obtain witness statements from them. I note the two concerns outlined by the noble Earl. One related to the anonymity of the information obtained. As far as possible, the information would be anonymised but, as we discussed earlier, there will be certain circumstances in which that might not be possible. However, I can certainly give the assurance that as far as possible the information will be anonymous. In relation to the documents that are sought when people enter a building, it is difficult to give a cast-iron guarantee that only relevant information will be sought. However, only professionally trained and accredited counter-fraud and security management specialists authorised by the body investigating fraud and security incidents and breaches would be entitled to use the power. Therefore, they would be properly trained and would have a very good idea of the sort of documents that they would be looking for.