Mark Walport's statement in response to Government Review of Information Sharing

25 October 2007

Background

The Government today announced a review of the scope of sharing of personal information, and the protections that apply when personal information is shared in the public and private sectors. The review and any recommendations will be produced by Richard Thomas, the Information Commissioner, and Dr Mark Walport, Director of the Wellcome Trust. The findings of their report will be published by the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice in the first half of 2008.

Statement

Dr Mark Walport, Director of the Wellcome Trust comments:

"Advances in technology allow the storage and use of personal information on a large scale. This can bring important benefits to each of us through improved public and private services. But there are also important potential risks from the abuse of private and confidential personal information.

"I am delighted to have been asked by the Government to work with Richard Thomas, the Information Commissioner, to produce a review of the scope of personal information sharing and of the protections that apply when personal data is shared in the public and private sector. It is crucial to strike the right balance between the sharing of personal data for individual and public benefit and the need to ensure appropriate levels of privacy.

"This is a hugely important area of public policy and we will consult widely to inform our review."

Contact

Katrina Nevin-Ridley
Head of Media
Wellcome Trust
T 020 7611 8540
M 07973 481485
E k.nevin-ridley@wellcome.ac.uk

Notes for editors

1. The Wellcome Trust is the largest charity in the UK. It funds innovative biomedical research, in the UK and internationally, spending around £500 million each year to support the brightest scientists with the best ideas. The Wellcome Trust supports public debate about biomedical research and its impact on health and wellbeing.