Liberal Democrats in Business

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Government Lost 400 Computers In Two Years

1.40.50pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 30th Jul 2003

IBM Thinkpad laptop computer (photography: Tim Prater)

Laptop Computer

The Government 'lost' nearly 400 laptop computers in two years, one every two days, costing an estimated £1million according to figures uncovered by Vincent Cable MP, Liberal Democrat Trade and Industry Spokesman.

In 2002/03, the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Health and the Department of Work and Pensions had 62, 25 and 57 laptops stolen or lost respectively.

Vincent Cable MP said: "Losing 400 laptops in two years is completely beyond belief. This suggests that senior civil servants and even Government Ministers have a casual approach to laptop security."

"These losses involve a great deal of taxpayers money. If the computers fall into the wrong hands, confidential information and possibly national secrets could be used against us."

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