Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, who is liable for data breaches the occur in relation to personal independence payment health assessments which are carried out by Atos for her Department.

Section 123 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 applies.

Independent Assessment Services (IAS) is required to ensure that all their staff have been advised of the consequences of disclosing confidential information and the Department can insist that the Assessment Provider demonstrate how they have fulfilled these obligations.

The Department has a process in place to manage/investigate any security breaches that occur.