Written question asked by Mark Oaten (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 3 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 February 2005. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 February 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether (a) biometric passports and (b) identity cards will contain (i) radio frequency identification chips and (ii) contactless integrated circuits.

Answer: Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether (a) biometric passports and (b) identity cards will contain (i) radio frequency identification chips and (ii) contactless integrated circuits. [214994] Mr. Browne: The biometric passport will contain a radio frequency contactless integrated circuit that conforms to ISO 14443 in accordance with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) recommendations on biometric travel documents. It will be a close proximity type chip that can only work within 0-2 cm from a reader. No decision has yet been made on whether the ID Card will contain a chip capable of being read through a contactless interface. Work is progressing on developing the technical, interoperability, security and business requirements which influence this decision.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 430 c1523W; 214994
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Biometrics Identity cards Identification Proof of identity Passports Radio frequencies Technology
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk