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Identity Cards Bill

I am convinced that we need very strong safeguards, both for individuals’ privacy, as described in the amendment tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Lucas, and for confidentiality, mentioned in the amendment tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Phillips of Sudbury. This Bill has been creeping up on us for a number of years and that may explain some of the apathy with which it presently seems to be considered by large swathes of public opinion. But when people realise what the Bill really contains, concern will be multiplied and I urge the Minister to accept the need for safeguards and to tell us today that they will be effective.