Data loss figures a wake up call for Government

4.51.42pm GMT Thu 28th Jan 2010

Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Robert Brown has demanded that public authorities take better care of private data.

Mr Brown’s calls come after reports that in the last two years more than 300 laptops and sensitive files have been lost by officials, putting thousands of Scots at risk of identity fraud.

The information lost includes confidential medical files, data on vulnerable children, secret profiles on loan sharks and even photographs of school pupils.

Commenting, Mr Brown said:

"These are quite extraordinary figures and a real wake up call to the Government.

“Liberal Democrats highlighted this kind of data loss from public authorities back in June 2009.

“There was public uproar then, so it’s extremely disappointing that effective steps have not been taken to sort out how organisations look after our data.

“We have no choice but to trust schools, councils and health boards with our data. They have a responsibility to take better care of it.

"The Scottish Government must have an urgent and pointed review into this matter. New procedures must be put in place before more vulnerable people are put at risk.”