Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour) on Thursday, 8 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 November 2004. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Thursday, 18 November 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps, over what timescale, are being taken to have barcodes in place in UK passports; what information the barcode would represent; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps, over what timescale, are being taken to have barcodes in place in UK passports; what information the barcode would represent; and if he will make a statement. [147540] Mr. Browne: At present, the UK Passport Service does not plan to include barcodes in British passports. All British passports incorporate a machine readable zone containing essential passport holder details in compliance with IACO standards.

Secondary information