HL Deb 16 July 1996 vol 574 cc51-2WA
Lord Mason of Barnsley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Following the harmonisation of passports within the European Union, whether they will agree to the harmonisation of identity cards, whether voluntary or mandatory.

Baroness Blatch

The United Kingdom has entered into a voluntary agreement with other European Union states on a common passport format. While we would consider any practical proposals for improving the standard of identity cards issued by member states and which are valid for travel within the European Union, we see no need for the harmonisation of national identity cards.