John Penrose

Conservative Party | Weston-super-Mare

Identity Card Bill

John Penrose (Weston-super-Mare) (Con): On the point about a regressive charge, does the hon. Gentleman agree that it is likely to fall most heavily on some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the public? In my constituency, we have a large proportion of pensioners, who are often on fixed incomes. Many of them will find it extremely hard to pay that additional tax, struggling as they are already with a number of other cost increases.

Mr. Carmichael: That certainly appears to be the case. As with everything else to do with this cursed Bill, we do not know, because we do not yet have the detail of what the Government are proposing.

The Bill will impose a penalty, which if it is to be meaningful must be recoverable and that can be done only by means of civil penalties.