Written question asked by Lord Marlesford (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Labour) on Thursday, 10 January 2008.

Government: Data Loss

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will list every occasion on which loss of data by a government department or agency has been reported to the Information Commissioner in the last 12 months, indicating in respect of each such occasion the department or agency concerned, the date of the report and the nature of the information.

Answer: The information requested about the last 12 months could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The Government do not hold the information centrally. The Information Commissioner's Office does not keep records of referrals referenced by department. I refer the noble Lord to the Statement made by my right honourable friend the Prime Minister on 21 November, (Official Report, col. 1179). The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review. An interim progress report on the review was published on 17 December by the Cabinet Office through a Written Ministerial Statement, col. 98WS.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1006; 697 c221WA
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Engagements
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Oral answers to questions
House of Commons; Engagements
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Oral questions
House of Commons; Data: Storage and Use
Monday, 17 December 2007
Written statements
House of Lords
Subjects: Data protection Government departments Information Commissioner's Office
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk