Identity Cards Bill

While I hear what the noble Lord says, we do not agree. Looking at the kind of complaints and the process here, we believe it is important to ensure that the procedure is accessible to people so that they can raise their concerns and know that they will be dealt with quickly and efficiently. We have here a detailed complaints procedure that has proven its worth over time. That is why we have relied on it. In response to the noble Lord, Lord Lucas, I should say to him that I have dealt with his amendment. I tried to do so at speed, but I am sure that he will be able to read what I said. The word ““information”” as used in Clause 24(2)(c) has its ordinary English meaning. I reiterate that the drafting here covers the spirit of the noble Lord’s amendment. His point here is perhaps arguable. I shall look again at the first half of his amendment. I think it is completely covered, but in case it is not, I shall review it so that we can come back to it. I shall certainly endeavour to write to the noble Lord between now and Report to see whether there is anything else in it. I do not think there is, but it might be worth looking to ensure that that is right. On the points raised by the noble Lord, Lord Thomas of Gresford, Clause 24(2)(d) refers to anyone, not just the holder of an ID card. I hope that I have been able to reassure noble Lords that the plethora of opportunities which there now are to scrutinise these provisions will enable the commissioner to do his job and to do it very well indeed.