---

Identity Cards Bill

I am grateful to all noble Lords who have contributed to this important and useful debate. I echo my noble friends in being particularly grateful to the Minister for the considerable care and attention with which she has responded. I am both encouraged and comforted by her exposition of the Government’s current thinking on the issue. There is no need to protract our proceedings unnecessarily at this hour, so on the basis that we shall probably return to these matters at later stages, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendments Nos. 25 to 35 not moved.]