---

Identity Cards Bill

I support the amendment. Clarity will be essential if a lot of people are not to get very upset over the legislation—and they will get upset anyway. The noble Lord, Lord Crickhowell, must be commended for his library work. He could have gone further. One could have 10 lawyers arguing for 10 days without reaching a conclusion on what ““residence”” means. The noble Baroness will remember that ““residence”” for tax purposes engages many, rather well-paid, lawyers in endless argument. Since we are being confessional, my grandfather’s residence was a series of hotels. He never had a place of residence but went from one spa town to another staying in hotels. Where would he stand under the Bill? Perhaps under the terms of the Bill he has no place of residence, placing him in the same class as the poor old fellow on the London street. We need to do far more on this issue before the Bill leaves the House. I shall be fascinated to hear the Minister’s response.