Scandal as MoD memory stick found on club's floor

A NEWQUAY nightclub is at the centre of a government identity scandal after a memory stick containing confidential Ministry of Defence (MoD) information was found on the dance floor.

Details of military personnel and a training exercise were contained on a memory stick found on the floor of The Beach nightclub, it has emerged this week.

The data could be opened on any personal computer or laptop and contained travel, accommodation and some personal details. Newquay's political leaders have spoken out after learning of the failure.

Stephen Gilbert, Lib Dem prospective Parliamentary candidate for Newquay and St Austell, said: "This is yet another example of the Government failing to keep sensitive information safe and still they want us to give them even more information for the new identity cards – frankly I wouldn't trust them to run a raffle."

And Caroline Righton, Conservative prospective Parliamentary candidate for Newquay and St Austell echoed Mr Gilbert's thoughts.

"It is absolutely shocking," she said. "I cannot believe the level of complete incompetence of this Government."

The memory stick was dropped in the nightclub back in May of this year and handed to a national tabloid newspaper. However, the details have only been released this week.

The owner of The Beach nightclub, Jane Hawkey, said she knew nothing of the data scandal until learning of the article in the national press.

The MoD confirmed it was now in possession of the memory stick and a full forensic examination will take place later this week.

The national tabloid who carried the story has said the stick contained information involving the 3rd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment as well as information on an individual soldier, exercise instructions and other basic personal details.

An MoD spokesman said: "We can confirm that a memory stick was lost back in May.

"We are investigating this regrettable incident and will take appropriate action."

The MoD invited Sir Edmund Burton, chairman of the Information Assurance Advisory Council, to conduct a full investigation into its handling of data after the theft of a laptop which contained personal information relating to around 600,000 people.

His report found MoD policies and procedures 'generally fit for purpose' but identified a number of areas where the MoD needed to 'do better'.

An MoD spokesman added: "Following the recommendations of the recent Burton report, the MoD is undertaking a programme of improvement to safeguard personal data and sensitive information."

Comment – Page 36