§ Sir Thomas ArnoldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his latest policy on identity cards; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas BakerMy right hon. and learned Friend announced last October that the Government plan to publish a Green Paper on identity cards in the spring of this year.
The Green Paper will set out options for a national identity card scheme. We will consider the possibility of introducing an identity card scheme in the light of the responses received to this consultation document.
§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the private companies that have been consulted by his Department over the possible introduction of identity cards.
§ Mr. Nicholas BakerThe Home Office has not entered into formal consultations with any private companies about the possible introduction of identity cards. The forthcoming Green Paper on identity cards will provide an opportunity for private companies to make their views known.