SNP in narrow win over universal database
THE Scottish Government last night narrowly survived a vote over controversial plans to open up the NHS register.
MSPs had demanded the proposals to provide access to more than 100 public bodies, including HMRC, be put before the full Holyrood chamber.
Critics claim that the SNP’s plans will lead to the introduction of ID cards by the back door.
The Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Scottish Tories yesterday joined forces to halt the so-called “super ID database”.
But the SNP’s overall majority saw off the threat of defeat on the issue, winning by 65 votes to 60.
Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie, who called the debate, warned that the plans would see Scots denied the right to opt out of being in the “universal database” which could be accessed by 120 public bodies.
He said: “The Scottish Government dispute the claim made that this is a precursor to an ID card. The problem is this.
"If there is an all-encompassing single database with one single number for each individual, with no consent required, then it is simple to produce a card with that number and stick a picture on it too.
“I think everyone would recognise that as an ID card. We may not be there yet,but we are creeping towards that destination.”
The public are being fundamentally misled by a lot of things being said about this issue
Under the plans, public bodies able to request access to the NHS Central Register (NHSCR) will include Scottish Canals, Quality Meat Scotland, the Forestry Commission, the Drinking Water Quality Regulator and national museums, galleries and libraries.
Permission will be granted “at the discretion” of Scotland’s Registrar General.
Everyone born north of the Border or registered with a GP here has a Unique Citizen Reference Number (UCRN) and a range of personal details stored on the NHSCR.
Ministers want to spread the UCRN across all public sector databases, effectively, linking them up.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the only change being made to the information on the register, which has existed since the 1950s, is the addition of individuals’ postcodes.
He said: “The public are being fundamentally misled by a lot of things being said about this issue.
"I know precisely what you’re trying to do, Mr Rennie – you’re trying to scaremonger because you’ve run out of road.”
Labour’s Dr Richard Simpson warned: “In an increasingly electronic age, our citizens’ privacy is daily more undermined.
Too often information about us is obtained or used without our full knowledge and appreciation.”
