§ 17. Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the cost effectiveness of introducing identity cards; and if he will make a statement. [23563]
Mr. Howard: The cost-effectiveness of any identity card scheme would depend upon the detailed arrangements for the scheme, the value of the card to the individual holder, the wider value to society, and the costs of the scheme. I intend publishing a consultation document on identity cards shortly.