HC Deb 07 January 2004 vol 416 c361W
Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the implications of the introduction of compulsory identity cards for her Department. [143355]

Alun Michael

The introduction of compulsory identity cards is a long-term undertaking on which interdepartmental discussions are led by the Home Office. This Department has an interest in tackling illegal working at an acceptable compliance cost to business (for example, in the agriculture and fresh produce sectors) and in providing a means to encourage legal routes of migration to the UK.