Whitehall must clarify ID plan

The government needs to clarify its plans for the national database at the heart of the identity card scheme, says the Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas.

He is concerned that the draft ID cards bill published by the Home Office in April leaves unanswered questions about use of citizen information.

'The title "ID cards bill" does not properly convey the nature of the scheme which is actually an introduction of a central register of UK citizens,' Thomas told the Commons' home affairs select committee last week.

'It is therefore essential that a clearly-defined proposal is brought forward detailing how the scheme is intended to work in progress.

'The proposed national register would be the largest database of personal information in the UK and every member of society needs to know that their information is secure and used lawfully.'

The Commission has published a list of points the government needs to address, including clarifying the scale of information to be stored, creating clearer and more stringent safeguards against identity theft and restricting further access by bodies who check the register.

Thomas will respond in more detail to the Home Office consultation on the ID cards bill in July.