Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he has held discussions with the Information Commissioner on the effect of the introduction of the Aspen on (a) data protection and (b) an individuals privacy.

The introduction of the Aspen Card and its effect on data protection and privacy has not been discussed with the Information Commissioner.

As part of the project, consideration was given to the privacy aspects of the scheme. The terms and conditions relating to Aspen usage received appropriate legal scrutiny prior to being published and make it clear that personal data will be used only for the prevention of fraud and to preserve the integrity of the scheme which includes ensuring the welfare of card users