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Home Office

Answer

Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to combat the production of counterfeit identity cards in the event of the introduction of identity cards. [201813] Mr. Browne: [holding answer 7 December 2004]: The Identity Cards Bill published on 29 November, includes at Clause 27 new offences relating to making or possessing false identity documents such as UK, and foreign, identity cards, passports and driving licences. These offences include not only "false" documents as defined in the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981 but also to documents that belong to another person or that have been improperly obtained. Where it is proved that a person has intent to use these documents, a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment would apply. Where there is no intent, but the accused has no reasonable excuse for having such documentation in his possession, a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment will apply. The introduction of these penalties will ensure that the police are able to take action against those who attempt to produce false identity cards. In addition, the introduction of a sophisticated identity checking process, coupled with the recording of biometric information which is unique to an individual will counter attempts by a person to obtain more than one identity card under different names. In its response to the Home Affairs Committee report on Identity Cards (Cm6359), the Government said that it would examine the feasibility of whether the verification service should operate predominantly in an on-line mode. Even if a good quality forged identity card was produced, it would be detected by on-line verification as there would be no associated record held on the National Identity Register against which its validity could be confirmed.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

201813; 428 c1502W;428 c1500W

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Counterfeit manufacturing Fraud Identity cards Proof of identity Vetting

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk