§ 22. Mr. Norman Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she can now say if her Department will continue to make checks to prevent the issue of national insurance cards to illegal immigrants.
§ Mr. O'MalleyMy right hon. Friend has no power to prevent the issue of national insurance cards to persons liable or entitled to pay national insurance contributions but she is seeking to ensure that all first applications for cards are asked to produce documentary evidence of identity. Unlike the proposals put forward by the previous administration, the arrangements she has in mind will not be confined to immigrants but will include everyone applying for a card for the first time, whether born in this country or coming from abroad.