HC Deb 10 April 1941 vol 370 cc1679-80
54. Major Sir Edward Cadogan

asked the minister of Health whether, in the event of any individual failing to produce his national registration identity card when called upon to do so, is he required to produce his identity card within a specified period of time; and whether, during that specified period of time, he is immune from prosecution for his failure to comply with the regulations?

Mr. E. Brown

The answer to the first part of the Question is that an individual failing to produce his identity card when requested to do so by an authorised person is required to produce it within two clear days at a police station nominated by the defaulter. With regard to the second part of the Question, no offence is committed under the existing law, unless and until the individual fails to produce his identity card within the prescribed period.

Sir E. Cadogan

Is not the right hon. Gentleman rather in the dilemma that if he did not allow time for the production of the identity card, a number of innocent persons would be victimised or prosecuted, and that if he did allow time in which to produce it, an enemy agent, for example, would be able to make himself scarce?

Mr. Brown

I have not been aware of a dilemma yet, but if my hon. Friend has any case to bring to my notice, I shall be very glad to look into it, for, as he knows, it is a very difficult problem.