Accessing OFT information - Data Protection Act

The OFT is bound by the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998. The Data Protection Act 1998 regulates the processing of personal data relating to individuals (referred to as data subjects).

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Introduction

The Data Protection Act 1998 includes a number of exemptions to protect certain sensitive personal data held by public bodies.

Guidance on the application of the Data Protection 1998 can be found on the Information Commissioner's website.

When we receive a request for information which constitutes personal data, whether or not that personal data relates to the individual making the request, then we will treat the request as a request under the Data Protection Act 1998. Generally, the OFT will not be obliged, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 or the Data Protection Act 1998, to disclose any information which is personal data relating to another individual.

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Personal information about you 

If you want to ask whether we hold any personal information about you, please note the following:

1. You will need to supply proof of your identity. This should include a photocopy of the identification pages of your current passport or of a current photo driving licence, and the original of a current utilities (for example, electricity) bill, or credit card or bank statement, which includes your name and current address. This can be returned to you if required.

2. It would also help us to narrow our search if you could tell us which office or division or in what regard you believe we might hold personal data on you. If you are not sure which offices might hold the information, please tell us the context in which you have had dealings with us.

3. We may charge a fee for this service.

4. We will withhold information where there are good reasons for doing so and where the Data Protection Act permits.

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Requesting information

To make a request for copies of any personal data held by OFT please send an email request to InformationAccessTeam@oft.gsi.gov.uk or write to:

Information Access Team
Office of Fair Trading
Room 4C/046
2-6 Salisbury Square
London
EC4Y 8JX

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