Clause 15 - Power to make public services conditional on identity checks
Identity Cards Bill
5:00 pm
Mr Humfrey Malins (Shadow Minister, Home Affairs; Woking, Conservative)
That is an interesting distinction. If the words:
''We think that it is . . . right . . . to ask people to carry identity cards''
reflect the Minister's view, I would be very interested. It is a most important point. I know the Minister has access to the Prime Minister, probably at all times. He will have the opportunity between now and Thursday to come back to us on this key point. Of course there will be many opportunities in the Chamber tomorrow for the Prime Minister to clarify his position, because I am sure that many hon. Members will be seeking to find out what it is. Many of us in the House are influenced by the Prime Minister's views, some more so than others.
In that spirit, and certain that we shall return to the matter on Report, because I have just noticed what the Prime Minister said about the cost of the scheme—I wish I had noticed that yesterday—I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause 15 ordered to stand part of the Bill.