Identity Cards Bill

: In the time assigned to me, I shall make two points. I am delighted to say that having been a critic on the basis of the costs of the exercise, I find myself in agreement with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. We will look carefully at the figures. My second point is about a matter on which I feel strongly. I am sure that my hon. Friends the Ministers will listen, as I have lobbied them in the past. It is a great shame that we have not reached the Liberal Democrat amendment on accessibility. There is an issue that is not financial in terms of costs and benefits, but concerns how individuals can be persuaded to take up biometric passports, and ID cards in due course, and that relates to the need for people to be able to get easily to places where they can give their biometric details. I would argue strongly that only one body meets that requirement, and that is the Post Office. I have lobbied Ministers on this and I make no apology for finishing this particular set of debates on that— It being Ten o’clock, Mr. Speaker put forthwith the Question already proposed from the Chair, pursuant to Order [this day]. The House divided: Ayes 314, Noes 261.