Identity Cards Bill

It is probably easier for the Government to estimate the cost of providing buildings than it is for them to estimate the cost of providing complex computer systems. I have to accept their assurances that that is included, although I note that there will also have to be two secure facilities for the storing of the computer systems. I am not sure that the time scale that the Government say they have in mind will allow them to procure those facilities. I envisage many problems. It is clear that the Government have not recognised the need for an open procurement policy, as advocated by the Select Committee. The Committee said that the Government must "““develop an open procurement policy, on the basis of system and card specifications that are publicly assessed and agreed.””"