To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the most recent information security guidelines were issued by (a) HM Revenue and Customs and (b) his Department. (167685)

[holding answer 26 November 2007]: On 13 November HMRC’s chairman wrote to his directors to set out rules governing the transfer of data and also wrote to all staff initiating an immediate tightening of security.

On 27 September the HM Treasury Permanent Secretary emailed all staff in the Department reminding them of their responsibilities. This covered all aspects of security.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which Ministers in his Department have responsibility for security of information held by (a) his Department and (b) HM Revenue and Customs. (167687)

[holding answer 26 November 2007]: Under the overall direction of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Exchequer Secretary is responsible for the information security in the Treasury.

Operationally, HM Revenue and Customs is independent of Ministers. The Commissioners for Revenue and Customs are answerable to Parliament through the Financial Secretary.