Identity Cards Bill

: In respect of the process of discussion involving the Lords and the Commons, I have observed that, although we in this House sometimes get cut out on the pong, we occasionally get an opportunity to speak on the ping. I want to put it on record that I object strongly to the compulsory aspect of the Bill. Like my hon. Friend the Member for Buckingham (John Bercow), I voted on Second Reading in the absolute certainty that that was the wrong way to go. This is a constitutional issue of the first order, and I believe that the Government, if they are intransigent on the matter, must use the Parliament Acts to get their proposals through. The hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr. Clegg) said that the electorate should decide this matter, and that that the Lords will not insist on the amendment proposing that the introduction of identity cards should be held over until 31 December 2011. If he is right—and we on the Back Benches are not privy to those discussions—the effect will be to allow the voluntary arrangements to go through.