§ Mr. BatisteTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when his Department last evaluated the merits of introducing universal photo identity cards in the United Kingdom; and if he will publish the results.
§ Mr. JackThe introduction of a compulsory identity card was last considered in depth in 1988–89, when the Government concluded that the benefits of issuing identification cards did not outweigh the disadvantages and costs of doing so. The Government's views were given to the House by the Minister of State, my right hon. Friend the Member for Oxford, West and Abingdon (Mr. Patten), on 10 February 1989,Official Report, columns 1299–309.
Although the matter is kept under review, the position remains as stated then.
§ Mr. BatisteTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the results of his Department's examination of the present experience of the operation in(a) Belgium, (b) Greece, (c) Germany, (d) Spain and (e) France of their national identity card schemes.
§ Mr. JackEarlier reviews have studied overseas practice in respect of identity cards in detail. These showed that possession of a national identity card was mandatory in Belgium, Greece, Germany and Spain. It was mandatory to carry an identity card in Belgium and Greece. Identity cards were voluntary in France but very widely used. This remains the position.
In all these countries the police are empowered to require citizens to identify themselves, a process which 204W possession of an identity card obviously simplifies. No such general power exists in this country, where the police may only demand identification on reasonable suspicion that an offence has been committed.