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Identity Cards Bill

Yes, and I hope to participate in the debate on that amendment. As my noble friend Lord Maxton asked at Second Reading, how will the system be funded? The assumption has been that each person getting an identity card would pay for it, but it could be funded in other ways, such as through general taxation. We need to discuss how it will be funded as well as the costs and benefits that might arise from it. The noble Lord who spoke before me raised the issue of failed IT systems in government. We must also look at one of the most successful systems: the Passport Agency. As I understand it, we will build on the success of the Passport Agency, which is a very good exemplar. I hope that, in her reply, the Minister will take account of some of the positive comments made in this debate as well as some of the questions and criticisms.