HC Deb 18 July 2003 vol 409 cc979-80W
Mr. Wiggin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact on police man hours of the implementation of the proposed identity card scheme. [126739]

Beverley Hughes

The consultation paper on Entitlement Cards and Identity Fraud discussed some potential efficiency savings for the police in being able to identify people quicker. An example would be recording details of people questioned and eliminated from inquiries if they were carrying a card at the time and gave their consent for it to check. The Government have ruled out a card scheme where it would be compulsory to carry a card and therefore there would be circumstances where efficiencies such as these could not be realised.

Mr. Peter Duncan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met the Scottish Executive to discuss the introduction of identity cards. [126571]

Beverley Hughes

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has maintained close contact with the First Minister dating from before the publication of the consultation paper on Entitlement Cards and Identity Fraud. However, no formal meetings have been held.

Home Office officials met officials in the Scottish Executive to discuss issues of particular relevance to the devolved Administration, prior to the publication of the consultation paper, and this contact has continued.