§ Q3. Dr. Gilbertasked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the coordination between the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department of Health and Social Security, with respect to the collection of information they require for the issue of different types of personal documents for which they are responsible.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. But if the hon. Gentleman has any problems or proposals to make in this regard I will gladly consider them.
§ Dr. GilbertIn the light of the Observer report of 3½ weeks ago that officials of the Home Office were considering the introduction of a system of 1842 national identity cards and, furthermore, after discussions with officials in Brussels, will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that there will be no intention at any time to introduce such a system into this country? This is one aspect of Europeanism which, whatever the administrative convenience involved, is totally obnoxious to the overwhelming majority of the people of this country.
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that that was dealt with at the time, and that it was said that there was no truth in the report which had been published.