I WOULD like to correct Stuart Chapman's assertion that, under the government's proposals for a compulsory national identity cards scheme, people would be required by law (on pain of a very hefty fine) to carry the card on their person at all times (Letters, June 21).

The Identity Cards Bill - the first reading of which was passed by parliament last week - precludes making it compulsory to carry a card, and there are no powers for the police to demand to see a card.

The point of the scheme is to provide the public with a convenient and secure way of confirming identity - as we are increasingly required to do in everyday life - and of protecting their personal details from the growing menace of identity fraud.

Identity cards will initially be issued alongside new biometric passports, until such time as Parliament votes to make registration for a card compulsory.

By linking unique biometric information (such as facial measurements, iris and fingerprints) to personal information on a secure database, the national identity cards scheme will help combat the growing menace of identity fraud, which facilitates other crimes such as illegal immigration and illegal working, organised crime, terrorism and abuse of our public services.

This comes at a time when countries all around the world are working to provide their citizens with more secure means of protecting themselves against identity theft.

Andy Burnham MP

Parliamentary under-secretary of state

Home Office

2 Marsham Street

London