§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps will be taken by his Department to minimise the potential for identity card fraud(a) before and (b) following the introduction of the proposed identity card scheme. [152680]
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§ Beverley HughesThe Government are committed to maximising the security of the identity card scheme. Security is central to the design of the IT systems, the processes and the card itself. Following introduction of the scheme the Government will work to maintain the scheme's security and to combat fraudulent use, building on experience gained manufacturing and issuing other sensitive documents such as passports and residence permits.
Within the scheme the use of biometric technology will be key to ensuring security and defeating attempts at fraud. A trial examining the use of biometrics in identity cards is currently under way, led by the UK Passport Service.