Identity Cards Bill

Perhaps I can quote to the hon. Gentleman the Select Committee’s conclusion on the very point that we are discussing. We said: "““An identity card scheme of the sort and on the scale proposed by the Government would undoubtedly represent a significant change in the relationship between the state and the individual in this country.””" However, we went on to say: "““International experience does not suggest that objections of principle are overwhelming””," and we proceeded to back the idea of an ID card scheme. So we recognised the issue—and we dealt with it.