The House of Commons Justice Committee has reported on data protection issues in the wake of the recent HM Revenue and Customs security breach. The report expresses grave concerns about the widespread problem of protecting data adequately within government; identifies a need for the Information Commissioner's powers to be substantially extended; and recommends changes to the current registration fee in order to improve the Information Commissioner's financial resources. Although many commentators will welcome the report's findings, it is arguable that its recommendations still fall short of the increased powers required by the Information Commissioner.

