Andrew,
The CSA usually quote statutory powers rather than use, for example, Section
29 of the DPA. You can always check whether this comes within the statutory
powers quoted. You can also check whether you are dealing with a senior
person in the CSA and not some junior 'trying it on'.
I'd be inclined to respond that you do not yet have a precise and
unequivocal match to positively identify the individual. The definition of
personal data does not permit you to use probabilities!
Regards,
Mike
> From: "Okey, Andrew" <[log in to unmask]>
> Reply-To: "Okey, Andrew" <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Fri, 19 May 2006 11:59:48 +0100
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Conversation: CSA query
> Subject: CSA query
>
> Colleagues,
>
> A classic to cheer up your Friday and see you into the weekend.
>
> Our Student Registry has fielded a request from the CSA, who are trying
> to trace a guy they want to charge for maintenance and whom they believe
> is one of our students. When they first made contact all they could
> give us was the guy's first name, his rough age (but not DOB), his
> academic subject and which town they thought he lived in. We found a
> couple of potential matches but decided not to respond because, though
> CSA seem to have statutory powers to demand info, this felt like a
> fishing trip.
>
> Today they've come back to us with more identifying info. Apparently,
> the mother in question had a medium-term relationship with this guy but
> can still only remember his first name (!!), though she has come up with
> other juicy tidbits like his hobbies (scuba diving and guitar playing,
> apparently), where his family come from, the reason he had to suspend
> his studies at one stage, and his former employment as a joiner. Sadly,
> we still don't know his eye colour, shoe size or favourite meal**.
>
> Bizarrely, we have managed what we think is a positive ID on this guy,
> and yes he is one of ours. I still think it's a fishing trip, though,
> and big trouble for us if we disclose info on the wrong guy. So I'm
> still minded not to co-operate.
>
> Opinions welcomed.
>
> Andrew Okey
> Administrative Officer
> Student Registry, Lancaster University
>
> ** Perhaps this is the opportunity to mention that, in the "Pen
> Pictures" section of the Bolton Wanderers matchday programme, Frank
> Worthington once listed his "Most Dangerous Opponent" as being "my
> ex-wife"!
>
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