HC Deb 22 December 1997 vol 303 c652
11 Mr. Campbell-Savours

What proposals he has for a national identity card scheme. [20167]

Mr. George Howarth

We are considering the options, but have no proposals yet to introduce a national identity scheme for the United Kingdom.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

May I ask a simple question: what does the Minister think are the benefits of a national identity scheme?

Mr. Howarth

There is a considerable lobby in favour of a national identity scheme. For example, the police believe that it would assist them in the pursuit of criminals; some believe that it would assist security in the financial sector; and others believe that it would help the retail industry to identify people. Equally, less positive arguments would have to be taken into account before a final decision was made.

Mr. Ian Bruce

The Minister will know that a photo ID card is coming through for driving licences. All the requirements for a driving licence, which virtually all of us carry, are the same as for an ID card, as long as it has a photograph or some other form of positive identification. Will he please give urgent consideration to introducing an ID card?

Mr. Howarth

It may have escaped the hon. Gentleman's attention that on 18 December my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions made an announcement on photo-identity driving licences. They have no other use, nor is any other purpose intended. If, for example, traders chose to use them as proof of identity or to establish that someone was over the age of 17, that would be a useful extension, but it would be voluntary; it would not be the Government's intention.

Mr. Winnick

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a lobby equally opposed to the introduction of a national identity card scheme, and that those of us who are opposed will have to be persuaded that there is a genuine need for ID cards in a democracy in peacetime? One associates a national identity card scheme more with totalitarian societies. I hope that my hon. Friend will see to it that the Government do not introduce such a card scheme. It is not necessary and would be deeply resented by many people.

Mr. Howarth

My hon. Friend expresses a point of view that is held by many people, and for which there are precedents, but equally strong and perhaps more important views might have to be taken into account. My hon. Friend's views must be balanced against persuasive arguments in the opposite direction.