Clause 45 - Short title, repeals, commencement, transitory provision and extent
Identity Cards Bill
9:45 am
Edward Garnier (Shadow Minister, (Assisted By Shadow Law Officers); Harborough, Conservative)
I agree with my hon. Friend, not for the first time. The suggestion that he makes would bring the clause in line with the long title of the Bill. The Bill is described as one to
“make provision for a national scheme of registration of individuals”.
That is the first thing that it is designed to do. The second thing it is designed to do is to make provision for “the issue of cards”. It is funny that the Bill should be described by its second purpose and not by its first. If it were to be described accurately, it would, as he suggests, be called the “National Registration and Identity Cards Bill”. This is not a flippant point, as it is important for the Government to describe the Bill accurately. I am sure they will wish to do so.