Labour Government labelled "a shambles" after 25 million personal details are 'lost'

7.30.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 20th Nov 2007

"If government cannot get the basics right then how could we ever trust them with an initiative like an ID card system?" Took

The confidential details of up to 25 million people, held on computer discs, has been lost by HM Revenue and Customs. The chairman of the organisation, Paul Gray, has resigned.

Revenue and Customs says it does not believe the records - names, addresses, date of birth and bank accounts - have fallen into the wrong hands.

Commenting on this 'data disaster' Chris Took, Ashford Liberal Democrats Parliamentary spokesman said "this is an incredible shambles by the Labour government. It makes the bureaucratic incompetence of the last Tory government look amateur."

"Local people should expect a basic level of governance from those that hold elected office. If government cannot get the basics right then how could we ever trust them with an initiative like an ID card system?"

"The government should be providing free credit checks for anyone who might be affected."

"Getting a credit reference report is the easiest way to ensure your identity is not being threatened - these checks normally cost about £1.50 - the government must provide free reports for all who think they might be affected."