HC Deb 02 February 1989 vol 146 cc420-1
11. Mr. Ian Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received the reports from the chief constables on the introduction of a national identity card; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hurd

I have now received a report from the Association of Chief Police Officers in response to my request last year. The ACPO paper does not reach conclusions on the general merits or recommend a particular scheme. The view of the police is that there would be some advantages, together with some disadvantages, for the police in a system that required the carrying of identity cards and their production on request but that a voluntary scheme would have few advantages for them.

I shall also take into account, of course, other views which have been expressed, including those of the Select Committee on Home Affairs.]n the past year I have received some 350 letters on the subject from hon. Members and from the general public, most of which have expressed support for some form of national identity card scheme.

Mr. Bruce

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for such a comprehensive reply. Can he tell the House when he will be bringing forward the Government's proposals for a national identity card, as the idea is clearly popular with our constituents and with many organisations, including many of the registrars general of births, deaths and marriages?

Mr. Hurd

There has been widespread discussion on this matter. My hon. Friend is right. The House will have an opportunity to discuss the matter at greater depth when it considers the private Bill of my hon. Friend the Member for Norfolk, North (Mr. Howell). I would need some persuading that a compulsory system, with all the bureaucracy and police time involved, would be worth while. Indeed, as I have just reported, the police have said that they see few advantages for them in a voluntary scheme, although I do not rule out at this stage that there might be other advantages worth exploring down that road.

Mr. Rees

ACPO cannot speak for Northern Ireland and nor, for that matter, can the Home Secretary. Have there been any consultations on this matter with the Chief Constable of Northern Ireland?

Mr. Hurd

I know that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has the matter under review.