Scottish "identity" card

[Ian G Batten]

On Mon, 24 Mar 2003, David_Biggins@usermgmt.com wrote:
> ] But the Scottish Police Federation said ID cards would not only assist in
> the fight against terrorism but also protect law-abiding citizens against
> fraud, theft by bogus workmen and other crimes committed by people
> pretending to be someone they are not. 

How?  Will the ID card contain a little stamp to indicate someone is a
real workman?  Could anyone explain how knowing the name of someone
claiming to be a builder lets you know he really is a builder?

> ] A spokesman said: "ID cards would make the job of the police easier. They
> would reduce the time taken in confirming identities and, in turn, reduce
> the time spent by individuals in detention waiting for this to be done." 

So, they're advocating compulsory carry?

> The same old tired assertions of benefit trotted out as "fact", despite
> being totally unrealistic, I see.

Interesting that the Home Office's consultation paper explicitly denies
that it would help against terrorism.  Clearly Scotland knows something
the rest of us don't.

ian