This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/7103566.stm

The article has changed 29 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Discs with 15m bank details lost Discs with 15m bank details lost
(20 minutes later)
Confidential details of 15 million child benefit recipients are on computer discs lost by HM Revenue and Customs, the BBC understands.Confidential details of 15 million child benefit recipients are on computer discs lost by HM Revenue and Customs, the BBC understands.
The chairman of the organisation, Paul Gray, has resigned.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.Revenue and Customs says it does not believe the records - names, addresses, date of birth and bank accounts - have fallen into the wrong hands.
Chancellor Alistair Darling is to give a Commons statement on "a major operational problem" at 1530 GMT.Chancellor Alistair Darling is to give a Commons statement on "a major operational problem" at 1530 GMT.
BBC political editor Nick Robinson said he understood ministers had been aware of the problem for nine to 10 days.BBC political editor Nick Robinson said he understood ministers had been aware of the problem for nine to 10 days.
Mr Darling is expected to outline the measures taken to protect those whose data has been lost.Mr Darling is expected to outline the measures taken to protect those whose data has been lost.
'Privilege''Privilege'
The resignation of Mr Gray was accepted because discs had been transported in breach of rules governing data protection.The resignation of Mr Gray was accepted because discs had been transported in breach of rules governing data protection.
In a letter to Revenue and Customs staff, he said: "This is not the way I would have planned to organise my departure from HMRC.In a letter to Revenue and Customs staff, he said: "This is not the way I would have planned to organise my departure from HMRC.
HAVE YOUR SAY What a complete shambles.... and I fear things will only get worse once the loathsome ID cards are introduced Anthony H, London Send us your comments
"I had hoped to be around for a while longer, and to have had the continuing privilege of leading HMRC towards the vision we have been developing."I had hoped to be around for a while longer, and to have had the continuing privilege of leading HMRC towards the vision we have been developing.
"But I am extremely proud of what all of you in the organisation have achieved during my time as deputy chairman and chairman.""But I am extremely proud of what all of you in the organisation have achieved during my time as deputy chairman and chairman."
Conservative MP Michael Fallon, who is vice-chairman of the Treasury select committee, said there had been "persistent rumours that all is not well at Revenue and Customs, which is the biggest single department of the Treasury".Conservative MP Michael Fallon, who is vice-chairman of the Treasury select committee, said there had been "persistent rumours that all is not well at Revenue and Customs, which is the biggest single department of the Treasury".
There had also been "complaints from other MPs about the service that our constituents have been getting in terms of tax credits and so on and it may look as if he (Mr Darling) has simply taken his eye off the ball over that organisation as well," he added.There had also been "complaints from other MPs about the service that our constituents have been getting in terms of tax credits and so on and it may look as if he (Mr Darling) has simply taken his eye off the ball over that organisation as well," he added.
But Home Office minister Liam Byrne said: "I think that the department does a difficult job and I think it does it well - the chancellor will set out a full statement and a full account to the background of this story a little later on."But Home Office minister Liam Byrne said: "I think that the department does a difficult job and I think it does it well - the chancellor will set out a full statement and a full account to the background of this story a little later on."
 Jonathan Baume, general secretary of the FDA, the union for senior public servants, said there had been a "serious operational error" but added: "Paul Gray was in no way personally responsible, but he has recognised that, as the most senior official in the department, the accountability ultimately lies with him.
Are you worried about the loss of child benefit records? Do you think you may be affected by this story? Send us your comments by filling out the form below. "His decision to take on this accountability is an example of British public service at its best."
name="say">
method="post" action="http://www.bbc.co.uk/cgi-bin/cgiemail/newstalk/form_all.txt"> name="email_subject" type="hidden" value="child benefit 7103566"> name="mailto" type="hidden" value="talkingpoint@bbc.co.uk"> name="success" type="hidden" value="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/have_your_say/html/have_your_say_thanks.stm"> Name
Customs and Excise was merged with the Inland Revenue in 2005, creating the biggest department in Whitehall. It was also ordered to reduce its 94,000 total staff by 25,000.
It is run by an executive board, but the chancellor is responsible to Parliament for its operations.
It collects taxes and other government receipts worth about £400bn a year, as well as administering benefits and tax credits, which require it to process large amounts of personal data.