"Data are" is technically correct, of course, but information "is". Since
"data" and "information" are often used either interchangeably or in the
same context I think we shouldn't object to those who say both "data is" and
"information is" - it's certainly easier on the ear in my experience.
"Statistics" - the discipline, not the numbers, so I have been told, is a
Greek neuter plural - which takes a singular verb. But do we care?
Paul Ticher
0116 273 8191
22 Stoughton Drive North, Leicester LE5 5UB
I hereby require any recipient of this message not to use my personal data
for direct marketing purposes.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Nick Landau" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2006 11:13 AM
Subject: Re: Incorrect use of the DPA 29(3)
> When did you last hear of "datum" in the context. I would usually speak
> about a single piece of data.
>
> But then I didn't study Latin but statistics;)
>
> To get you going again see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datum where the
> plural of Datum is given as Datums!
>
> A datum (plural datums) is a reference from which measurements are made.
> In surveying and geodesy, a datum is a reference point on the earth's
> surface against which position measurements are made, and an associated
> model of the shape of the earth for computing positions.
>
> So surveyors also make linguistic solecisms. Good! No doubt they also have
> their purists.
>
> See also http://www.pol.ac.uk/ntslf/tides/datum.html where it says:
>
> "Tidal levels are quoted relative to chart datum (approximately the lowest
> level due to astronomical effects and excluding meteorological effects).
> The heights of chart datum (CD) relative to ordnance datum (OD, at Newlyn)
> in the UK are listed below.
>
> If for example, you have a data value for Liverpool of 1m relative to CD
> and want to convert it to be relative to OD, then this would be -3.93m
> (i.e., 1m - 4.93m)."
>
> It seems to me that going by the Latin they have got this the wrong way
> round. ie it should be (i) Tidal levels are quoted relative to chart
> _data_ and then (ii) you have a _datum_ value for Liverpool.
>
> I note that half the entry regarding Data on Wikipedia
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data discusses this very point - which says a
> lot about Wikipedia contributors but not much about different types of
> data.
>
> Nick Landau
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Simon Howarth" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: "'Nick Landau'" <[log in to unmask]>;
> <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2006 10:57 AM
> Subject: RE: [data-protection] Incorrect use of the DPA 29(3)
>
>
>> Wording could be improved to make it scan better, but the overall content
>> is
>> OK. I think requesting this confirmation is a wise move, if the request
>> is
>> in any way questioned.
>>
>> My only other comment is pedantic, and is to state that "datum is", but
>> "data are".
>>
>> Simon.
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
>> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Nick Landau
>> Sent: 13 November 2006 16:23
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Re: [data-protection] Incorrect use of the DPA 29(3)
>>
>> I don't know about the DPA, but the Clear English campaign might also be
>> consulted (the letter-writer not you).
>>
>> Nick Landau
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Paul Dodgson" <[log in to unmask]>
>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>> Sent: Monday, November 13, 2006 4:01 PM
>> Subject: [data-protection] Incorrect use of the DPA 29(3)
>>
>>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> I detail below a letter which asks the recipient to state the powers
>> they are exercising when making requests for information.
>>
>> I am looking for it to be shot down, or otherwise wounded! It actually
>> relates, in part, to a very poor request from a housing benefit
>> inspector who made application using the wrong sections of the relevant
>> Act, and in any case was not certified!
>>
>> Any views very much appreciated
>>
>> Paul
>>
>> Dear XXX,
>>
>> I have from you a request for information (your ref xxxx). I have not
>> eluded to the case name for obvious data protection reasons.
>>
>> The request is made under S29 (3) DPA 98.
>>
>> Section 29(3) provides that personal data is exempt from non-disclosure
>> provisions if the disclosure is for purposes detailed in Section 29 (1).
>> In this case I consider that to relate to Section 29 (1) a,b or c.
>> [adjusted to suit]
>>
>> This is fine. What is not is the statutory powers you wish to rely on
>> obliging us to release that information no longer protected from
>> non-disclosure by virtue of that described above.
>>
>> I suggest you look at your letters in this regard. Clearly if any such
>> investigation [specific to the issues I am dealing with, but could be
>> amended to suit] ended in court and it came to the knowledge of the
>> court that inappropriate powers were cited, this could have a negative
>> impact insofar as your case is concerned.
>>
>> I have an obligation to ensure that personal data is protected, subject
>> to the exemptions available in the Act and any enabling powers requiring
>> that such data be released consequent upon Section 29 (1) DPA 98. I
>> trust you understand that I cannot approve release of information on the
>> basis of what I have received thus far.
>>
>> I strongly advise that you take advice from your Data Protection
>> Officer.
>>
>>
>> Yours etc
>>
>> _______________________________________________________________________
>> Leicestershire County Council - rated a 'four-star' council by the Audit
>> Commission
>> _______________________________________________________________________
>>
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All archives of messages are stored permanently and are
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If you wish to leave this list please send the command
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All user commands can be found at : -
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