Clause 6 - Power of Secretary of State to require registration
Identity Cards Bill
4:45 pm
Mr Humfrey Malins (Shadow Minister, Home Affairs; Woking, Conservative)
The Minister has done his best to respond to the arguments that have been advanced, for which I thank him. Clearly, he is unable to go very far because certain matters such as the codes of practice are further down the line and we do not know some practicalities that it would be necessary for us to debate. During the short debate on penalties we have discussed the vulnerable, although he is not yet able to return to us with more detail.
I am particularly pleased by the intervention of the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam, who asked a moment ago whether we might have an opportunity before the end of our discussions in Committee to see a draft code of practice, or guidance, as it might inform our debates. We shall keep a careful eye on penalties and possibly come back to such matters on Report.
I thank the Minister for his reply. It has not satisfied us completely, although he would not expect that to be the case. However, for the moment, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause 6 ordered to stand part of the Bill.