§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research his Department has undertaken into the impact identity cards have had on the reduction of crime in European Union countries where they are compulsory; and if he will make a statement. [1528]
§ Mr. KirkhopeThe Green Paper "Identity Cards" Cm 2879 published in May included information on international experience of identity cards. We have since sought further information on the lessons to be learnt from the use of national identity cards in other European Union countries including any information which may be available in those countries on the impact of identity cards in reducing crime.