HL Deb 20 June 1994 vol 556 cc7-8WA
Lord Mason of Barnsley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What studies are now being undertaken to consider the possibilities of the introduction of a voluntary or mandatory national identity card scheme and which organisations are carrying out the studies.

Earl Ferrers

We are currently examining the possible applications of smartcards in government. This work will take account of the technical possibility of a national identity card. If it is decided to pursue that possibility, there would be wide consultation before any final decision were taken.

Lord Mason of Barnsley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What views have been received by the Home Office on the need to introduce a national identity card on a voluntary or mandatory basis from the Prime Minister's Office, the Department of Health, the Department of Social Security, Department of Transport, Department of Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, The Treasury, The Police Federation and the House of Commons Select Committee on Home Affairs; and what views have been registered with the Home Office from individuals and organisations.

Earl Ferrers

Between my reply of 15 December 1993(Hansard, WA 117) and 31 May 1994, the Home Office received 99 items of correspondence from individuals and organisations on the subject of identity cards. Most of these favoured either a voluntary or compulsory identity card scheme. The Home Office has received no representations from the Police Federation on the subject.

In the Seventh Report from the Home Affairs Committee in the Session 1989–90 into Police Co-operation in the European Community, the Committee indicated that it was in favour of a voluntary identity card scheme.

Within government we continue to monitor closely the case for a national identity card.