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Database plan 'is waste of money' Tories attack data sharing plans
(30 minutes later)
A plan to share people's personal details between government departments on a database would be a huge waste of money, the Conservatives say. A plan to share people's personal details between government departments on a database would be a threat to privacy, the Conservatives say.
Shadow Home Secretary David Davis labelled the plan for a new computer system a "white elephant" which would end up costing more than £20bn. Shadow constitutional affairs secretary Oliver Heald accused the government of eroding privacy by logging details on "'Big Brother' computers".
But the government believes a database would give the public better access to vital services.But the government believes a database would give the public better access to vital services.
Tony Blair is expected to unveil the proposal in Downing Street on Monday.Tony Blair is expected to unveil the proposal in Downing Street on Monday.
Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton said departments already stored "vast amounts of data about individual citizens".Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton said departments already stored "vast amounts of data about individual citizens".
But the information is not shared intelligently across various government agencies, he said.But the information is not shared intelligently across various government agencies, he said.
For example, one family had to contact the government 44 times to confirm various details after a relative died in a road accident, Mr Hutton said.For example, one family had to contact the government 44 times to confirm various details after a relative died in a road accident, Mr Hutton said.
HAVE YOUR SAY What will they want to know about me next? What colour my socks are? Kate, Newcastle Send us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAY What will they want to know about me next? What colour my socks are? Kate, Newcastle Send us your comments
"We can improve the quality of public services if we are prepared to share data more intelligently.""We can improve the quality of public services if we are prepared to share data more intelligently."
But Mr Davis argued that any money used to set up the database would be better spent elsewhere.
"The chances of it costing over £20bn is very high. It will be a white elephant.
"We could spend that money much better: on border controls, policing - you name it."
And he criticised the government's record on managing databases - citing failures in the Sex Offenders Register, the Criminal Records Bureau, and the recent problems tracking criminal records from overseas.
Shadow constitutional affairs secretary Oliver Heald added: "Step by step, the government is logging details of every man, woman and child in 'Big Brother' computers."
Ministers intend to consult the public to see if they are in favour of the data-sharing plan.Ministers intend to consult the public to see if they are in favour of the data-sharing plan.
Five "citizens' panels" of 100 people are being recruited by the polling organisation Ipsos Mori.Five "citizens' panels" of 100 people are being recruited by the polling organisation Ipsos Mori.