Written question asked by Lord Pickles (Conservative) on Monday, 13 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 March 2006. It was answered by Baroness Primarolo (Labour) on Monday, 20 March 2006 on behalf of the Treasury.

Data-mining Techniques

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what use (a) the Valuation Office Agency and (b) HM Revenue and Customs makes of data-mining techniques; and for what purposes.

Answer: The information as follows:"(a) The Valuation Office Agency makes limited use of data-mining techniques as part of routine statistical analysis. These are restricted to internal financial management only.""(b) HMRC uses data-mining techniques as part of routine statistical analysis of large data sets. By increasing the effectiveness of HMRC's compliance and enforcement activities, this reduces the burden on compliant taxpayers and helps to ensure that people pay the right amount of tax or receive the right amount of benefits."

Secondary information