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Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling had explained to the House of Commons how two password-protected discs containing full copies of HMRC's records on the payment of child benefit had gone missing after being sent to the National Audit Office.

Writing on the HMRC's website, he said: "I am writing to make a personal apology. A copy of some HM Revenue and Customs data about families, including yours, who have received Child Benefit has been lost. The copy of the data is likely to still be on government property. The police are now conducting a search, and there is no evidence that it is in the possession of anyone else. This will not affect your Child Benefit payments."

The data included the names of customers and their children, along with their dates of birth, address, National Insurance number and, where relevant, the details of the bank or building society account into which the Child Benefit is or was paid.

Banks and building societies have been informed of the data loss and they are acting on this information. They have assured the HMRC that they have put appropriate safeguards in place.

As is usual in these circumstances, innocent victims of banking fraud will not have to pay, but customers are advised that they should take some precautionary steps to protect themselves.

If customers receive bills, invoices or receipts or see entries in their statements for goods or services which they have not ordered, they should contact their bank or building society immediately. Customers are also advised to consider changing their passwords if they are based on any personal data, for example their child’s name or date of birth.

The advice of banks is that there is no need for customers to ask for a new account or to contact their bank or building society. Child Benefit payments will continue to be paid as before and there is no need to contact the HMRC. However if customers experience any problems in the receipt of Child Benefit, they should contact the HMRC on 0845 302 1444 between 8am and 8pm on any day of the week. (The phone line is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.)

Mr Hartnett said: "I would like to offer my personal apologies for any worry or concern this data loss may cause you. And I can assure you that all efforts are being made to ensure that such a loss can never happen again."

Further information

• The Chancellor's statement to Parliament on the data loss Opens new window
• Child Benefit customer update from HMRC Opens new window