Written question asked by Mark Oaten (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 10 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 January 2005. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Monday, 31 January 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what research has been conducted by (a) his Department and (b) its agencies into compatibility issues between the Facial Images National Database and the National Identity Register.

Answer: Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research has been conducted by (a) his Department and (b) its agencies into compatibility issues between the Facial Images National Database and the National Identity Register. [208286] Mr. Browne: The Identity Cards Programme is actively researching the sets of standards which will need to be specified as requirements for the applicants' facial images. Both the Identity Cards Programme and the Facial Images National Database project are working towards adopting emerging international standards for best practice in facial image capture and storage. These come chiefly from the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the US National Institute for Standards and Technology and the International Standards Organisation.

Secondary information