§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how he expects the introduction of an identity card scheme will help ensure that all children get into education. [177791]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeWe see identity cards having a major contribution to the work of my Department and its agencies. We have identified four key areas: our proposals for a Children's Service Passport; the Connexions Card issued to 16 to 19-year-olds; access to post-16 education and training; and our proposed Unique Learner Number Infrastructure. However, all of our proposals for the use of identity cards relate to the post-16 provision of education and training. In respect of pre-16 education, we have a legal obligation to educate all children of the appropriate age within our education system.
§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what uses his Department has for an identity card scheme; and what information would be required through the national identity database to enable the scheme to be put to those uses. [177839]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe identity cards scheme has potential to realise administrative savings for training providers and funding bodies in post-16 education and skills training; reduce financial and identity fraud in gaining entry to and working in education and training; and by simplifying the application process for individuals accessing services.
The information required of the card itself or of the National Identity Register would depend on the context.