Written question asked by Mark Oaten (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 25 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 September 2004. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 September 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the (a) availability and (b) misuse of fake proof of age cards; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the (a) availability and (b) misuse of fake proof of age cards; and if he will make a statement. [181503] Mr. Browne: We have been working closely with the British Retail Consortium (BRC) on the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) which aims to ensure that different proof of age schemes comply with common standards. This is indicated by displaying the PASS holographic logo on the card. Through the BRC and other groups we encourage retailers only to accept PASS compliant cards. A person using a fake proof of age card commits an offence if it is used to deceive. In the longer term, the introduction of ID cards will also provide retailers with a single, clear and highly reliable means of verifying proof of age.

Secondary information