Steven Philippsohn rightly emphasises the financial cost and misery caused to individuals by identity fraud (see [2005] Gazette, 9 June, 16). He anticipates that the Identity Cards Bill will combat this by 'making it difficult for fraudsters to take out loans or create bank accounts under a false name. Solicitors and accountants could accurately identify their clients...'


Unfortunately, this happy state of affairs will not be attained until the national identity register is up and running and registration is compulsory, whenever that may be.


Until then, practitioners would be wise to note that clause 18 of the Bill will make it unlawful 'for any person to make it a condition of doing anything in relation to an individual that the individual establishes his identity by the production of an ID card.'


Any such request for sight of an ID card, made by anyone other than a government agency, will be actionable in civil proceedings for an injunction or interdict or for any other appropriate remedy or relief.


There may be some immediate advantages for lawyers, but not exactly those Mr Philippsohn had in mind.


John Mayne, Neath, west Glamorgan