Identity Cards Bill

In opening, I said that these were probing amendments and that I would refer back to the RNIB before determining what action, if any, I would need to take at Report. I will certainly keep to that, but, like the noble Lord, Lord Phillips, I am concerned about the Government’s stance—how flexible will they be in giving expenses to those who are economically or physically vulnerable? My Amendment No. 115 tried to address that. The Minister said that he was looking at comparable registrations, but it is our choice to adopt passports and driving licences—although if you are a young mum trying to get your children around there may seem to be no choice. Finding the money for a car is important, but it is still a choice. However, after Clauses 6 and 7 come into play there is no choice about registering for an identity card, so I do not accept that there is a proper comparability. On the other hand, I know that the Minister is also seeking to address the issue of births and deaths. My noble friend Lady Carnegy was right in trying to point out that the Government themselves are trying to find another way for those registrations to take place. I understand why the Government are taking this route. I hear what the Minister says about it being sensible to try to assist people, but between now and Report we need to see how the Government are prepared to address those problems.