UK Passport Agency

HC Deb 31 July 1997 vol 299 c574W

Mr. Stephen Twigg

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for the development of the UK Passport Agency. [11586]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

I have recently approved the UK Passport Agency's plans for the introduction of a new, more secure British passport from the end of next year. The agency has awarded two contracts under the public-private partnership arrangements to the private sector. Siemens Business Services will undertake the receipt of passport applications, and the collection, storage and transmission of the data needed or the new passport. The Stationery Office Ltd. will undertake the printing and issuing of the new passport. The enhanced security features will include digitised photographs and signatures.

The UK Passport Agency is not being privatised. It will retain its core function of establishing eligibility for a British passport, and will continue to operate from its six existing regional offices. There will be a reduction in the agency's staffing, but there should be no need for compulsory redundancies for permanent staff.