Minister gets reprimand over papers in bins

Information Commissioner Christopher Graham issued a stern warning to the Conservative MP yesterday that he faces formal enforcement action if he continues to throw away letters and papers carelessly.

Mr Letwin has now signed a written commitment pledging to dispose of his files in a secure manner after the commissioner found he had breached the Data Protection Act.

Mr Graham said: “It is clear that Mr Letwin has learned from this incident and we’re pleased that he has co-operated fully.”

Mr Letwin apologised last month after it emerged he had disposed of papers in a bin in London’s St James’s Park on five separate occasions. The documents included constituents’ private details and five Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) letters.

Comment: Page 12.