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Identity Cards Bill

I merely rise to welcome this opportunity for the Government to clarify further what level of crime it is intended will be covered in which parts of this Bill. The Minister sought to reassure me on my previous amendment with regard to the way different parts of the Bill interact with each other to ensure that, in some circumstances, only a serious crime is addressed. I know she will accept that all noble Lords are determined that any scheme that is introduced should be able to accommodate the needs of the police in preventing and detecting serious crime, and I am sure we will return on Report to a proper discussion of the purposes of the Bill. What the noble Lord, Lord Phillips, has done here is direct our attention to the operation of part of the Bill. I would welcome the Minister’s further clarification and reassurances on the matters that has raised with regard to crime.