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Proceeding contribution from Patrick Mercer (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 18 October 2005. It occurred during Debate on bill on Identity Cards Bill.


Identity Cards Bill

Possibly, but such terrorists need not necessarily have false identities. Having a proper, pukka, legal, straightforward identity will not prevent terrorism. I was a serving soldier in Northern Ireland when the illustrated driving licence was introduced—it was introduced first with a photograph and then with a thumbprint—and we were told that it would be the solution to terrorism. Much of the terrorism in Ulster was conducted by people using cars, trucks and the like, and we were told that the licence would solve the problem. It did not. On the contrary, the tired, wet, exhausted and distracted soldiers saw that piece of identity as a pass—something to assist rather than impede.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
437 c730 
Session
2005-06
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Disclosure of information Biometrics Crime prevention Applications Costs Fraud Fees and charges Immigration controls Identity cards National identity register Proof of identity Passports Registration
Legislation
Identity Cards Bill 2005-06
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk