§ Mr. RookerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the EU member states and the states about to join the EU which use identity cards or unique personal reference numbers, outlining the degree of obligation to produce evidence of identity in each state.
§ Mr. Charles WardleThe following European Union member states use national identity cards:
- Belgium
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- The Netherlands
- Portugal
- Spain
With the exception of the Netherlands, we understand that the police are able to request proof of identity in each of these member states. We understand that new legislation will come into effect in the Netherlands on 1 June 1994 which will oblige Dutch nationals to provide proof of identity in certain defined circumstances.
In Denmark all citizens are issued with a "central person register" number. This is used for administrative purposes. The police may request proof of identity although we understand that the CPR number is not accepted as such proof.
Information about those states about to join the European Union is not readily available.