Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 26 January 2005. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 January 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the proposed identity card will contain an individual's address on the face of the card; what controls will apply to the release of an individual's address to individuals or organisations contacting the databank; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the proposed identity card will contain an individual's address on the face of the card; what controls will apply to the release of an individual's address to individuals or organisations contacting the databank; and if he will make a statement. [208731] Mr. Browne: The Identity Cards Bill sets out the information that may be held on the National Identity Register and includes address. The Bill does not specify what information will be recorded on the card face or the card chip and this will be set out in regulations, approved by Parliament. There have been no final decisions on whether address would be displayed on the card. The Bill sets out to whom information could be provided with, and without consent. Address information could be provided (i) with consent of the individual under Clause 14, (ii) as part of a required identity check for public services under Clauses 15-17 if Parliament agreed the necessary order or (iii) without consent under Clauses 19-22 if it is to one of the organisations specified under those clauses, for the purposes specified either in those clauses or in regulations made under those clauses.

Secondary information