National identity card high on Tories' agenda

The possibility of a national identity card came a step closer yesterday when the Prime Minister gave the strongest indication yet that the Government was in favour of introducing an identification scheme.

The police welcomed the development while civil liberty groups warned that it would threaten civil rights and have no effect on the crime rate.

A Westminster source confirmed that Mr Major's comments reflected a growing commitment towards a national identity card, which was high on the law-and-order agenda.

The move towards a national card was given a boost last month when the Department of Transport said photographs will be included on all new driving licences from July 1996. The department said that in the longer term, a microchip could be added, turning the licence into a 'smart card' which could carry personal information such as blood groups and national insurance numbers. Civil liberty groups said that this would be the 'thin end of the wedge' and lead to a national card.

Research is being carried out on the use of computer identity cards to counter terrorism and a wide range of crimes.

The Police Federation, which represents rank and file members, and the Association of Chief Police Officers are in favour of compulsory identification cards.

Fred Broughton, federation chairman, said: 'In relation to crime, terrorism and any investigation, it would be a great advantage. It would make the police more efficient because sometimes people lie about their identification, which can be very time consuming.

'The fears of the civil libertarians are unfounded - we live in a democracy and our police are accountable and responsible.'

Andrew Puddephatt, general secretary of Liberty, predicted it would an expensive waste of time and open to abuse. 'It will cost millions of pounds and there is no evidence to show cards help reduce crime,' he said.