§ Lord Mason of Barnsleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the problems that have to be overcome to bring a United Kingdom voluntary identity card scheme in line with those European Union countries where identification schemes exist. [HL3456]
§ Lord Williams of MostynIn any proposal to introduce an identity card scheme the Government would need to be satisfied that this would bring appreciable benefits, that these would not be outweighed by potential drawbacks and that they could not effectively be achieved in other ways.
§ Lord Mason of Barnsleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps have already been taken in the review of the need to introduce a voluntary or mandatory identity card scheme; and when the review is likely to conclude. [HL3457]
§ Lord Williams of MostynWe have been looking again at the issues surrounding verification of identity, including the developing technologies. This work is continuing and no date for its conclusion has been set.
§ Lord Mason of Barnsleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What objections have been made to them by civil liberties groups against the introduction of any national identity card schemes. [HL3455]
§ Lord Williams of MostynNo recent approach has been made to the Home Office by civil liberties groups on the subject of a national identity card.
§ Lord Mason of Barnsleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the obstacles to be overcome to extend the driver's photograph identity card to a national card. [HL3458]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe use of a photocard driving licence as a single identity card would be complicated by the prescribed European Union format for driving licences, which leaves little room for other functions; handling card withdrawals and driving disqualifications would also be complex.