§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the value of(a) compulsory and (b) voluntary identity cards in combating terrorism in the United Kingdom. [13408]
§ Angela EagleThe Government have no plans to introduce a compulsory or voluntary identity card scheme as part of their response to the atrocities in the United States on 11 September.
However the policy on identity cards is kept under review and the Government are considering whether a universal card which allowed people to prove their identity more easily and provided a simple way to access a range of public services would be beneficial. Such an entitlement card scheme could also help to combat illegal working which disproportionately affects the poorer sections of our society by undercutting the minimum wage and encouraging unscrupulous employers. It could also reduce fraud against individuals, public services and the private sector.
388WThe Government do not consider that an entitlement card scheme would have a significant effect in combating terrorism in the United Kingdom.
The introduction of an entitlement card would be a major step and the Government would not proceed without consulting widely and considering all the views expressed very carefully.