§ Mr. RentonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider again the question of the introduction of compulsory identity cards as a means, inter alia, of helping those entitled to social security benefits by more effectively clamping down on fraudulent and bogus claims.
§ Mr. Nicholas BakerMy right hon. and learned Friend announced on 13 October 1994 that the Government intend to publish a Green Paper on identity cards in the spring. The Green Paper will set out the options for a national identity card scheme, including whether an identity card should be voluntary or compulsory and the possible benefits of identity cards—for example in helping to combat crimes involving fraud and impersonation. Any decision on the introduction of identity cards will be made in the light of the comments we receive on this consultative document.