Schools which want to introduce biometric security systems should consult parents and pupils, the Scottish Government said yesterday.

Schools which want to introduce biometric security systems should consult parents and pupils, the Scottish Government said yesterday.

Ministers issued draft guidance on the use of systems such as fingerprint recognition in schools, as part of a package of new steps to help ensure people's privacy is protected by public bodies.

Launching a three-month consultation, Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "We know that some schools are already using biometric technology to provide access to school meals and for other functions.

"Security and privacy issues are a very serious concern in relation to the use of biometrics in schools and this must be fully addressed. That is why we are issuing this draft guidance today. It will be an important tool to assist schools, with the involvement of parents and pupils, in ensuring this."

Judith Gillespie, of the Scottish Parent Teaching Council, said: "Biometric systems, including fingerprint recognition, is a good idea for school pupils as long as it is used safely."

Human rights lawyer John Scott broadly welcomed yesterday's announcement. He said: "It is good that something is going to be done to try to properly safeguard people's privacy. However, I don't think biometrics and fingerprinting people is the answer, given the issues of reliability. This could potentially provide more problems than it solves."

An expert group has been set up to boost confidence on privacy when people use hi-tech services, such as on-line council tax payment or paying for parking via mobile phones. Its members will develop a draft set of guiding principles for bodies such as councils and health boards to ensure privacy.

The group, which will look at IT-enabled public services, includes Jerry Fishenden, a lead technology advisor with Microsoft UK, and Gareth Crossman from civil rights group Liberty.