HC Deb 11 July 1946 vol 425 cc549-50
1. Mr. Palmer

asked the Minister of Health under what authority a fee of 1s. is charged to the public for the replacement of a lost or destroyed identity card; and under what authority a charge of 6d. is made for the replacement of a defaced but decipherable identity card.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Key)

These fees are charged under the authority of Section 6 of the National Registration Act.

Mr. Palmer

Does my hon. Friend think it right that, as all things have an end, the public should have to pay for the replacement of a document which they do not particularly want?

Captain Crookshank

And which is no use anyhow?

Mr. Key

If a document is essential and is lost, it must be replaced.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

What is the position if a person has no money at all? Does he lose his identity?

Mr. Key

In such cases, allowances would be made.

6. Mr. Randall

asked the Minister of Health if the charge of 6d. for replacing old and defaced identity cards has now ceased.

Mr. Key

No, Sir, but the fee is waived if the replacement is occasioned by fair wear and tear and the card is still decipherable.

Mr. Randall

Is the Minister aware that there are a number of cases where persons have refused to pay the 6d., and in those cases, the identity cards have been issued?