Clause 8 - Issue etc. of ID cards
Identity Cards Bill
6:00 pm
Alistair Carmichael (Shadow Minister, Home Affairs; Orkney and Shetland, Liberal Democrat)
Time will tell, but the hon. Gentleman supports a Bill that involves civil penalties recoverable by civil diligence. In Scotland, notwithstanding the amendments that have been made by the Scottish Executive, that still involves poinding and warrant sale. The hon. Gentleman can explain that to his constituents when they ask him, but that is what he is supporting. He will stand or fall on that basis, and I shall watch with interest as he does so. I offer that in the spirit of helpfulness, because the Government may, at some stage, encounter popular resistance to the measure. If they do, they can at least point to the fact that they have sought to be fair in the way in which they have levied charges, which will give them some political protection. If they do not wish to avail themselves of the political protection that I offer them out of the goodness of my heart, they will be answerable for the consequences.