Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government why the Independent Group Advising on the Release of Data only received draft guidance on NHS England’s protection of patient data on 18 January for comment by 20 January.

The Independent Group Advising on the Release of Data (IGARD) were asked to provide feedback on the latest draft of the guidance on a quick turnaround, as the transfer of NHS Digital’s functions to NHS England was conducted at pace because we are keen to see the benefits of creating a single statutory body responsible for data and digital technology for the National Health Service delivered quickly.

This was not intended to be a hard deadline for receiving comments, or the end of the process, as the guidance has not been finalised. We have been reviewing the feedback from IGARD and other stakeholders. The Department would welcome any further feedback that those who were members of IGARD, and others, wish to provide, as we finalise the guidance and then keep it under review.

My officials have discussed the concerns raised by IGARD with NHS England officials.