Reports of more missing discs

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Reports of more missing discs are trickling in, as people step forward with tales of poor data control at additional government agencies.

As many as 10 discs are missing from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), according to reports.

In addition to the two containing 25 million records of child benefit recipients which were admitted missing by the government last week, the Times newspaper has said another eight are being looked for by the government agency.

The newspaper said a source close to the investigation told them: "There are other CDs yet to be accounted for - we have been told of ten so far, but basic checks are being carried out before any formal announcement."

According to the newspaper, the discs contain information related to child benefit claimants as well as the tax details of hundred of people appealing Revenue decisions.

A spokeswoman for HMRC said that the only discs that are missing with taxpayer information are the two reported last week.

She said six discs with voice-recordings of a customer lodging a complaint had been reported missing, but added that it relates to just one individual and because of the ongoing investigation could not comment further.

Meanwhile, Frank Milford called up the Sun newspaper to say that his firm had been posted two discs of invoice details by the Department of Constitutional Affairs. But the discs, which were sent through standard post, also contained address and bank account numbers for hundreds of top-level judges, barristers and even Prince Charles' Duchy of Cornwall Estate.

Milford explained that he received the discs while doing work for the now defunct DCA, but was never asked to return them when his contract ended.

The Ministry of Justice, which has since taken over for the DCA, said they were investigating the matter.

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