Private matter

UNFORTUNATELY, Michael Crosby will have to wait to see any savings from the scrapping of the ID scheme (Letters, 3 July). The government is still going ahead with the expensive and intrusive database and still intends to require compulsory registration of all passport applicants from 2011.

However, Mr Crosby makes a serious point, albeit in jest, in suggesting Tesco could take over the database. If there really were a demand for a central arbiter of identity information, the private sector would have met it long ago.

The truth is that most people prefer to keep their private information to themselves, under their own control to divulge as they see fit. The national identity scheme would never have passed the conceptual stage in the commercial world. Alas, it seems that our politicians have worse judgment than bankers.

DR GERAINT BEVAN

NO2ID Scotland

Grovepark Gardens

Glasgow