UK tells of loss of citizens' data

Nov. 20 - Personal details of 25 million people have been mislaid by Britain's tax authorities, a senior minister has told parliament.

The finance minister Alistair Darling told the House of Commons that two computer discs with Child Benefit data from 7.5 million families had gone missing en route from the Revenue and Customs service to the National Audit Office in October. He said the discs were sent by private courier but were not registered, and described the incident as a "serious breach" of procedure. Child Benefit is paid to the vast majority of UK families with children each month, regardless of income.

The data included names and addresses, dates of birth, Child Benefit numbers, National Insurance numbers and bank account details. He said there were no indications of fraud, but an investigation is underway. The head of the Revenue and Customs office resigned earlier on Tuesday over the incident.