PLANS for controversial ID cards are "reassuring" the public according to Home Office minister and Leigh MP Andy Burnham.

Mr Burnham has taken plans for the biometric cards - which have been criticised as intrusive by civil rights groups - on "roadshows" to promote the idea.

Biometric data will be in wide use next year when passports are issued containing special chips. The chips can be scanned to show a picture of the card holder's face.

Mr Burnham said feedback on the bometric cards idea was positive from a session this week at Manchester Airport to demonstrate the new technology that will be used.

He said: "We want people to judge for themselves. We had a book for people to write their comments about the plans and people seemed to find them reassuring. They saw them as having the potential to protect their identities."

Mr Burnham rejected claims the ID cards - which would contain personal details and include images of the card holder's fingerprints and irises - would each cost £300.

He said: "There is no way I would pay £300, it wouldn't be brought in at that figure. And it won't be brought in at £100 a card. We are working to get the cost down so there is some balance."

Mr Burnham confirmed that British citizens with ID cards, which are due to be issued in 2008, would be able to travel throughout Europe without a passport.

Mr Burnham said: "The first generation biometric passports are an improvement but they don't provide the security of finger printing and iris scans on ID cards. Current passports remain valid and no one is required to renew before the passport's expiry date."