Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Robert Brown has written to the Auditor General urging Audit Scotland to conduct an investigation into data protection procedures at public bodies.

A BBC Scotland investigation has revealed personal data breaches in NHS Boards, councils and police forces across Scotland. Breaches included lost laboratory results and drivers’ licences and stolen computers and files.

Mr Brown has also lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament demanding an urgent investigation.

Commenting, Mr Brown said:

“BBC Scotland’s findings are extremely concerning as these breaches may have affected thousands of people.

“It is entirely unacceptable for the Scottish Government to refuse to become involved because it does not want to micromanage. This is a national scandal and I will not allow it to be swept under the carpet.

“I have written to the Auditor General urging Audit Scotland to conduct an urgent investigation into data protection procedures at public bodies. I have also tabled a motion to this end in the Scottish Parliament.

“Members of the public cannot prevent these organisations from retaining their data, so they must be absolutely confident that public bodies have rigorous data protection procedures in place.

“An Audit Scotland report would, at the very least, give a full and accurate picture of data protection procedures in Scottish public bodies and identify the areas where urgent action is needed.”