Identity Cards Bill

I have tabled Amendment No. 222 in this group and support Amendments Nos. 231 and 234. Amendment No. 222 is an adjunct to Clause 24(2) which describes the functions of the commissioner in keeping various matters under review. My amendment would add a paragraph that would state:"““In discharging those functions the Commissioner shall have particular regard to the effectiveness of the protection of confidentiality and use of individuals’ information on the register under the provisions of this Act””." Concern and anxiety about privacy and the confidentiality of citizens’ private information is now commonplace in some quarters. I view my amendment as the twin of Amendment No. 221 and others in the group. It would protect confidentiality more than the Bill as currently drafted does. Clause 1, the Bill’s keystone, describes the register as facilitating,"““the provision of a secure and reliable method””," for ascertaining and verifying registrable facts. That is more about the ascertaining of facts. My amendment is about keeping facts confidential when they should be confidential. I strongly support the comments of the noble Baroness, Lady Anelay, regarding the group as a whole, particularly those amendments that deal with the relationship of the commissioner with Parliament. For all the reasons that she and other noble Lords have mentioned, it is very important that the principle relationship and answerability should be between the commissioner and Parliament, not between the commissioner and the Secretary of State, or anyone else. Because they would more closely parallel the arrangements for other commissioners, such as the Information Commissioner, I hope the Government will see the need for these amendments and take account of the advice that has been given by the committees that have examined this matter.