THE Government is considering compulsory ID cards, but the security argument is a flimsy excuse.

ID cards would not have stopped the New York suicide bombers and will not deter criminals who can easily steal or forge them. Instead they will inconvenience millions of ordinary people and threaten our civil liberties.

Ministers have been considering them well before recent events. Computer Weekly (13/1/00) reported that high in the Passport Agency's priorities was a "photocard passport" by 2002, subject to ministerial and European agreement. Government officials also undertook to participate "as necessary" in any work concerning national identity cards and refused to comment on ruling out legislation.

By coincidence, the Government then committed to a Europe-wide programme to introduce personal smart cards -- multi-use cards to get NHS treatment, pay for road use and other purposes. Where was the public consultation?

The cost of introducing ID cards has been estimated at £500 million, plus £100 million every year. That is money that will not be going into public services. It means foregoing several major new hospitals, tens of thousands of operations and decent pay for our nurses.

After public protest, Australia, New Zealand and the USA all dropped plans for ID cards. Readers should lobby their Member of Parliament before it is too late.

Brian Mooney,

New Alliance,

PO Box 13199

London, SW6 6ZU.

info@newalliance.org.uk