HL Deb 22 July 2002 vol 638 cc12-3WA
Lord Lipsey

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which government agencies require the submission of originals of passports, driving licences or birth certificates with applications for official documents. [HL2286]

The Lord Chancellor (Lord Irvine of Lairg)

Based on information obtained from across government, the following agencies require the submission of original passports, driving licences or birth certificates:

Agency Original documents required
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency passport, birth certificate or driving licence
Driving Standards Agency driving licence
Maritime and Coastguard Agency passport or birth certificate
Vehicle Inspectorate driving licence
The Passport and Records Agency passport, birth certificate or driving licence
Department for Work and Pensions and its agencies: Child Support Agency, Jobcentre Plus, Pensions Service and the Appeals Service passport, birth certificate or driving licence

In addition, Foreign and Commonwealth Office entry clearance officers at posts outside the UK require sight of original documentation.

A letter will be sent separately to the noble Lord about the Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise, for which information is still being collected.

I understand that it is normal practice for government departments and their agencies to require original documentation in order to establish identity and entitlement to services as a basic safeguard against fraud.