Parliamentary Questions - Written Replies

THEFTS: Computers and other equipment worth about pounds 250,000 have been stolen in the past three years from government departments which are the responsibility of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The Treasury Economic Secretary, Anthony Nelson, said thieves' hauls from Customs and Excise included 49 personal computers, 10 portable computers and two laptop computers.

Items stolen from the Inland Revenue and Valuation Office Agency included more computer equipment as well as 23 microwaves, 11 cameras and nine television sets.

Thefts from the Treasury itself amounted to pounds 1,700 worth of office equipment - and nothing was reported stolen from the Royal Mint.