Commentary Part 6 – Data Matching Paragraph 7: Code of Data matching practice
120.This paragraph requires a relevant minister to prepare and keep under review a code of data matching practice. Sub-paragraph (2) provides that all those bodies and other persons involved in data matching must have regard to the code of data matching practice. Sub-paragraph (3) requires the minister to consult those persons required to provide data in accordance with paragraph 2, such representatives of those persons (for example, the Local Government Association with regard to local authorities), the Information Commissioner, and such other bodies as he or she thinks appropriate before preparing or altering the code of data matching practice. Sub-paragraph (4) places a duty on a minster to: (a) lay the code before Parliament; and (b) publish the code from time to time.