Identity card rebels on both Labour and Tory benches were expected to give their leaders trouble when the measure was debated in the Commons.

About 30 Labour MPs were expected to oppose the controversial scheme, with some Conservative frontbenchers threatening to go "missing" rather than have to back the scheme endorsed by Michael Howard.

Stakeholder Response: Association of Chief Police Officers

Roger Baker, ACPO spokesman on identity cards and deputy chief constable of North Yorkshire Police, said: "ACPO has made clear its support for a properly resourced and administered scheme to help counter identity fraud and to make more difficult the activities of terrorists and organised criminals.  

"We look forward to early introduction of the legislation after the scrutiny."

Stakeholder Response: Law Society

Edward Nally, Law Society president, said