Purpose

The Magistrate has happened across a purpose for ID cards.

Sue Townsend's wonderful Number Ten contains a great passage on this issue. A copper is asked by the Prime Minister why he wouldn't want an 'entitlement card', as surely he has 'nothing to hide'. I paraphrase, as exact memory escapes me:

'I've got plenty to hide! I don't want the government knowing what books I borrow from the library, my stepfather's criminal record, what political parties I belong to, and how much I drink. I've got plenty to hide. Haven't you, Prime Minister?'