Member

Just to finish in another context, algorithmic scrutiny by medical experts revealed that an NHS computer algorithm deciding who to prioritise on the waiting list for liver transplants was discriminating against young patients. I would like to think that the kind of scrutiny which would pick up the pitfalls in that instance is needed in this instance as well, so that we can identify where things go wrong. That is a key point recognised by the Government, who are already committed to algorithmic transparency elsewhere, with the algorithmic transparency recording standard. That is not an attractive title, but the ATRS requires all government departments using algorithms to publish information about how and why they are using algorithmic tools. Can the Minister explain why that principle and commitment to transparency should not apply simply because the Government are, in this instance, deputising to the banks the job of conducting these searches on their behalf?