MINISTERS are to consider plans for a database of electronic information, it emerged last night. The computer system would hold details of every phone call and e-mail sent in the UK. The information would be passed to the government by internet service providers and telephone companies.

The plans are at a very early stage, but are being considered for inclusion in the draft Communications Bill to be published later this year, the Home Office confirmed.

Ministers are yet to see the plans, which have been drawn up by Home Office officials.

They are likely to provoke outrage from data protection and civil liberty campaigners.

A spokesman for the Home Office said retaining communications information was essential for protecting national security.

He also emphasised powers to hold information were subject to strict safeguards.

He said: "Communications data - the who, how, when and where of a communication but not the what (content) - is a crucial tool for protecting national security, preventing and detecting crime and protecting the public.

"The Communications Data Bill will help ensure that crucial capabilities in the use of communications data for counter- terrorism and investigation of crime continue to be available."

The Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman, Chris Huhne, said the database was "an Orwellian step too far".

"Ministers have taken leave of their senses if they think that this proposal is compatible with a free country and a free people." he said. "Given the appalling track record of data loss, this state is simply not to be trusted with such private information."

The government has been embarrassed by a string of data protection failures in recent months including the loss of a CD carrying the personal details of every child benefit claimant.