Provision by Provision Commentary Evidence of identity Section 59: Power to use fingerprints to check identity
121.Section 59 gives Ministers the option of using fingerprints to verify the identity of an applicant. This power will only be used in cases where other means of authentication have been unsuccessful, for instance where the Scottish Ministers cannot otherwise match an applicant to a criminal record held in central records. The process will be governed by regulations subject to the negative procedure. Ministers can refuse to consider a disclosure application in cases where the applicant refuses to provide fingerprints. Ministers must ensure the destruction of fingerprints taken for assisting the authentication of identity, once that task is completed.