Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Lynne Jones (Labour) on Monday, 6 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 February 2006. It was answered by Andy Burnham (Labour) on Monday, 13 February 2006 on behalf of the Home Office.

Identity Cards

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government have undertaken research to test the biometric technology to be used in the proposed identity card scheme; and if he will make a statement.
Answer

The specific biometric technology to be used in the identity card scheme will not be finalised until a competitive tendering process is complete. This process cannot commence before the Identity Cards Bill receives Royal Assent. Thus, it is not possible to undertake research to test this technology at this point in time.However, extensive testing of the technology is planned both during and after the procurement process and market sounding activities have been taking place with potential suppliers in accordance with Office of Government Commerce best practice and in co-operation with Intellect, the UK trade association for the hi-tech industry. Additionally, extensive work has been undertaken in the process of setting relevant requirements around biometrics in advance of the procurement process. A dedicated experienced team are working on this area, who review all latest scientific research in the field and co-operate with experts.This involves working with leading biometric experts from the US National Institute for Standards and Technology, San Jose University, UK National Physical Laboratory and the Communications-Electronic Security Group among others, who have conducted a significant amount of reputable research into the performance of biometrics.This work is also informed by the experiences of other biometric schemes both within the UK and outside, such as US Visit and biometric cards schemes in the Philippines and Hong Kong. The findings of this work to date is that biometrics are suitable for use in large scale operations such as the proposed identity cards scheme. Finally, this work is subject to significant oversight by the government's Biometrics Assurance Group, chaired by the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir David King, and the Home Office Senior Biometric Adviser.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
442 c1724-5W;442 c1724-5W; 50258
Session
2005-06
Subjects
Biometrics Identity cards Technology Research
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk