Identity Documents Bill

Lord Maxton Excerpts

Wednesday 3rd November 2010 Grand Committee

[Baroness Neville-Jones]

The advice that I am getting is that that would not be the case because a TV licence or similar document does not identify the individual but relates to them. That is right. You get back a receipt for the money that you have paid but it does not verify in any way the identity of the person who has paid the bill.

[Lord Maxton]

Perhaps I may briefly clarify that. A TV licence does not relate to an individual; it relates to the property to which it applies.

[Lord Phillips of Sudbury]

It would seem that I have given a bad example. Does it not have the name of the licence holder on it?

[Lord Maxton]

It has the name of the person who paid for it.

[Lord Phillips of Sudbury]

Right. It therefore identifies that person and there is a number in relation to it.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Maxton]

I am not even sure that it does that.

[Lord Phillips of Sudbury]

I will hold my peace and think more about it.