Clause 15 - Power to make public services conditional on identity checks
Identity Cards Bill
2:45 pm
Patrick Mercer (Shadow Minister (Homeland Security), (Assisted By Shadow Law Officers); Newark, Conservative)
I take your points, Mr. Gale, about the stand part element of our debate, and your judgement is of course correct. This wide-ranging discussion has unveiled a series of facets to amendment No. 56, which does not, on the face of it, look too harmful.
The Under-Secretary has been forthright and clear, but the fact remains that we, in line with the hon. Member for Stroud, have grave reservations about what he has said. For instance, I take his point about where an emergency starts, but that is not for the likes of us to dictate; it is for the NHS. I can see all sorts of difficulties cropping up with this provision, particularly with people making themselves appear much sicker than they really are to get service and medical attention. That will also involve various other public services.
On that basis, and despite the eloquent defence of the clause, we cannot accept the rejection—if that is right—of the amendment. So, with your consent, Mr. Gale, and that of the Committee, I shall call a Division.