Identity Cards Bill

moved Amendment No. 18:"Page 2, line 1, leave out paragraph (d)." The noble Lord said: I speak on behalf of my noble friend Lord Dholakia. This probing amendment would delete paragraph (d) of Clause 1(4), which contains the category of purposes on unauthorised working or employment. There has been considerable debate about that already, so I shall be very brief. Again, we are concerned about drawing the right line. I am not yet convinced that one should drag issues of employment into this crucial subsection, which defines what is necessary in the public interest for the purpose of having access to the national register. As has already been said, the subsection—reasonably, in our view—includes the category of,"““purposes of the enforcement of immigration controls””." Certificates are now issued to asylum seekers confirming their right to move within the community so that they have a sort of identity card. I should be interested to hear what other noble Lords have to say because I have an open mind. Why, for example, should one not include other headings such as housing, transport, gaming and tourism? I beg to move.