The positive in this deeply depressing news is that the government is now under intense pressure to reform Data Protection Law and this desperately needs to be done. The question isn’t so much about what information the government has on various systems but who actually has access to this information. How can we be sure that they be trusted? What safeguards will there be? How will this prevent our information from falling into the wrong hands or being abused? All of this should have been resolved at least 20 years ago when Data Protection Laws were first being introduced. If it had then maybe the government wouldn’t find itself in the position it is in now.

Jason Mead, Bristol, England

There are some technological and procedural improvements that could reduce the risk of this sort of thing happening again but the real problem is that government doesn't understand privacy and the risks inherent in big databases.

The easiest way to avoid this kind of blunder is to simply not store or process private data unless absolutely necessary. I expect to hear about new laws and maybe more use of data encryption yet at the same time, the government wants to introduce "voluntary" ID cards and an extensive data collection system for anybody travelling in or out of the country.

After a blunder of this proportion, do any readers honestly believe that computerised medical records are safe from prying eyes? Have there been other government data leaks we don't know about? My guess is that Labour will come up with a new law and some improvements to reduce risks in future but the real problem is a meddling, intrusive, control freak government that is not fit for purpose.

Edward, UK,

This is a shamble. Nothing is working out for the government which is constantly slicing departments to cut costs but the side effective is compromising on efficiency. This issue is not mutually exclusive from Northern Rock where the Bank of England made substantial amount of loan to Northern Rock. Now the European Commission is saying that the payment, which is below the normal interest rate, is unlawful as the loan prevents customers move around to other banks and therefore preventing free competition. What the Commission is fundamentally arguing is that the loan litrerally has become a state subsidy which puts other companies at disadvantaged.

Ripon Ray, London, UK

Nice one Gov, I have to take an hour off work this afternoon to get my account number changed.

Phill, The Wirral, England

Failure to protect personal data is a breach of the Data Protection Act.

Go gettem! Lets see 7 million prosecutions of HMRC

Jim Broadhurst, Burnley, England

The auditors asked for this data? They are happy it is sent this way? Who are the auditors?

David Blaylock, Cockermouth, UK

I work for HMRC, guess when I foundout about this fiasco... 2.30pm!!! Says it all really!!! They knew this would be in the public domain by Tuesday morning as they spent all weekend updating the customer contact systems to prepare for the rise in customer calls from the worried public. Shows how little they care for the employees, let alone the tax payers!!!

Caz, West Midlands, England

And this is the Government who wants us to trust them with all our records and biometric data Imprinted on ID cards.
Fullproof security, I think Not!

Len, Argyll, scotland