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Identity Cards Bill

I understand the purport of the noble Baroness’s comments, but we conversely believe that it should be the Government who are held responsible, because it is they who will be held accountable at the ballot box—and, just as importantly, through Ministers appearing in your Lordships’ House and in the other place, they will be able to be accountable to Parliament in a very direct way, which would be far more difficult for a registrar. That is why we believe that it is important to retain that as a safeguard.