§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department has investigated, or is currently studying, the usefulness of a national identity card to his departmental responsibilities; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeYes, but I do not believe that my departmental responsibilities are the crucial factor in determining the desirability of a national identity card. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, Central (Mr. Darling) on 15 December column1080.