GORDON Prentice is attempting to block a government move to privatise a large East Lancashire storage centre for sensitive information on benefits.
The Nelson File Store is one of the network of such facilities across the country where files on people's social security benefits are kept while individuals are no longer claiming the welfare cash.
Owned by the Department of Work and Pensions, the stores can rapidly supply the files if the individual starts to claim benefits again or if there is a query.
Pendle MP Mr Prentice is worried the proposals to hand the stores over to the private sector could cost jobs in Nelson and also put at risk the confidentiality of the highly sensitive financial and personal information.
In Westminster this week he asked new leader of the Commons Peter Hain for an early statement to MPs by work and Pensions Secretary Andrew Smith about the plans.
Mr Prentice said: "These file stores are dotted around the country and hold sensitive information."
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