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Identity Cards Bill

My Lords, it might be useful if we return to the substance of the amendments. I draw your Lordships’ attention to Amendment No. 123, which is grouped with this amendment and will, I imagine, be consequential if Amendment No. 1 is passed. Amendment No. 123 sets out the basis for what is known as a ““cost estimate””,"““a detailed estimate of the revenue and capital costs arising from this Act””," and,"““a statement of the expected benefits of this Act””." We learn from subsection 4(b) in the amendment that the cost estimate shall include,"““the costs that are estimated to be incurred during a period of 10 years after the date to which the estimate is prepared or such longer future period as shall be determined by the Secretary of State””." From subsection 3(b) we learn that the cost estimate shall include,"““a statement of cash expenditures””." I do not know about your Lordships’ cash position, but if I were asked to put an estimate 10 years out of what my cash position might be, I would have various serious doubts about it, as would any business in the land. The amendment goes on to state that:"““The cost estimate shall be analysed into each of the financial years ending 31st March covered by the cost estimate””." Therefore, the cash expenditure that the cost estimate will include will be analysed into each financial year for 10 years out. Furthermore,"““for the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that ““Government departments or agencies””—" which are part of this cost estimate—"““includes any Northern Ireland department and the National Assembly for Wales””." We are entitled to look at legislation in detail in this House. We are also entitled to look at amendments in detail, and this particular amendment needs some redrafting. Although I am sympathetic in principle to the idea that the Government should be more honest and open with what the costs might be, this amendment could not possibly be accepted by the House.