Probe on data security breach

A computer memory stick containing passwords for one of the biggest public sector websites has been found in a pub car park, the latest Whitehall data security breach, the government said yesterday.

The Government Gateway, a site where people register to use more than 100 public services including tax and benefit claims, was temporarily closed after the loss was discovered.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokeswoman said it had ordered an investigation into how it happened.