It seems ludicrous that more measures were not taken to prevent data being lost in transit between government buildings (HMRC fiasco places data protection under the spotlight).

There are many ways to keep a record of where items are in the distribution chain.

Companies and individuals have a number of options when shipping highly sensitive material. From recorded delivery with Royal Mail to specialist courier services, paying extra for track-and-trace capabilities is often only considered in hindsight when things go wrong.

Had the government spent a few more pounds, 25 million people would not be worrying about identity fraud, and Alistair Darling could have avoided another controversy caused by failed procedures.

Clive Fearn