HC Deb 25 June 1973 vol 858 cc1123-4
17. Mr. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will set up an inquiry into the practice of companies requesting customers paying goods by cheque to have their photograph taken for purposes of security; and if he will make a statement.

Sir G. Howe

I am not persuaded that there is any case for an inquiry into this practice which I understand to be in use only in the case of customers who have no acceptable means of identification.

Mr. Ewing

That is not exactly the position. Will the Minister regard this as a very serious matter? Does it not concern the Minister that in this country there are companies holding thousands of photographs of people, with their names and addresses with them? Does not the Minister regard this as a gross intrusion into the personal liberty of those citizens, and will he set up the inquiry requested in the Question?

Sir G. Howe

The hon. Gentleman should keep this matter in perspective. It was not regarded as requiring investigation by the Younger Committee which investigated the law and practice in relation to privacy.

If a customer objects to the practice of being photographed when he is presenting a cheque, in the way described by the hon. Gentleman, he has other alternatives. He can carry means of identification, pay by cash, contact his bank, or wait for his cheque to be cleared. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]

Retail premises presented with cheques by customers who have no other means of identification have to resort to some means of serving their customers' convenience. One of those methods is that described by the hon. Gentleman, and it is a method that takes place with the knowledge and consent of the customer.

Mr. Ewing

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek an early opportunity of raising the matter on the Adjournment.