Identity Cards Bill

: I will be brief. I just want to make two points. First, the Information Commissioner said:"““The measures in the Bill go well beyond establishing a secure, reliable and trustworthy ID card.””" Secondly, none of our fellow states in Europe is going down the route of having the central database. Indeed, the European Commission’s data protection working party believes that the centralised storage of biometric information on a centralised database presents an increased risk of data misuse. I share its preference for information to be kept on a smart card that is within the control of the individual. The Lords amendment does not address any of those issues. For the privilege of being involved in this draconian scheme and having their data on the centralised database, even those who do not wish to have an identity card, but want to have a passport, will have to pay £30. I remain opposed to the legislation.