Written question asked by Lord Brett (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Neville-Jones (Conservative) on Monday, 27 September 2010.

Identity Security

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for the use of fingerprints in identity documents.

Answer: The coalition Government consider that biographical and biometric data held by the state about an individual must be both proportionate and necessary. We are ending the ID card scheme and destroying the fingerprints and other personal data held on the national identity register for this reason. Work has also been halted on the introduction of fingerprints in passports. We will continue to provide for fingerprints in the issue of biometric residence permits and application registration cards.

Secondary information