SO Brian Watson (Letters, October 1) thinks that ID cards are a bad idea.

Does he also think that reduced crime levels, the detection of bogus asylum seekers, benefit fraudsters and a massive increase in crime detection are a bad idea?

Criminals will not accurately copy ID cards, as suggested, because they will contain

an owner's fingerprint.

Crimes will be easily detected because fingerprints left at scene of crimes will be matched to a national database created and criminals traced through that source.

When it comes to civil liberties, I have a right to be free of the anxiety of being mugged, burgled and subjected to crime.

I would like to benefit from improved funding for health and public services created by the removal of the black economy that will be unable to function with the introduction of ID cards.

If I am obliged to carry a card that states that I am a respectable, legitimate, member of the UK, then go ahead -- I have nothing to hide.

Mr Watson states that the banning of firearms resulted in more guns than ever.

Would he please confirm the source of this information and provide statistics?

I suspect that Mr Watson already has a form of ID card known as a passport. Is that a problem?

He is worried about the creation of a police state.

The alternative could be a criminal-led state. I know which I prefer.

The only people who need to worry about a police state are criminals. Bring in the ID cards ASAP.

PAUL DAVIES, Whalley Road, Clitheroe.