Inland Revenue.
Inland Revenue chairman Sir Nicholas Montague revealed in the Commons
that the Beckhams, MPs and other VIPs, are in special computer files to
prevent staff "browsing" them and selling the details.
Sir Nicholas told the Commons Public Accounts Committee that the special
protective systems within the Revenue's computer systems would stop routine
access to the tax records of celebrities such as footballers and pop stars. That
extended to Members of Parliament - and himself.
The Revenue boss denied there was a serious problem with browsing and
said the new move was to ensure that staff were fully aware of the
seriousness of unauthorised access and that it was a sackable offence that
could result in prosecution.
He said there had been just two cases of information being accessed and sold
recently - in 1995 and 1997 - and both workers involved were dismissed and
imprisoned.'
Don't we all feel better for knowing that?