Fraud Bill [Lords]

My hon. Friend makes a valid point, and to the Solicitor-General’s credit, he did not talk about ID cards in his opening remarks. Some people say that ID cards will help to reduce fraud, but many people think that they will worsen the problem. Fraudsters will get hold of ID cards and manufacture them, and they will find them an effective way to win people’s trust and take their money. We already see that with passports and there is no reason why it should not apply to ID cards. The Solicitor-General said that he was very much in favour of police forces merging, so that they could pool their resources in tackling fraud. May I say for the record that I am totally opposed to the merger of police forces? I believe that most Conservative Members and some Labour Members share that view. Most of my constituents would not buy the argument that one needs to merge police forces to tackle fraud better. Most of them believe that the police are doing a pretty good job and that, when caught, fraudsters need to spend more time in prison and less time on the streets. In conclusion, I broadly welcome this Government Bill. I have greatly enjoyed speaking in the debate and the interventions from the hon. Member for Rhondda and my hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Mr. Jackson). Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker.