IT would appear rather ironic that Jacqui Smith is about to launch her identity card scheme in Manchester in a trial and voluntary basis at £30 each and in case the idea does not take off, has agreed with the providers of the cards to pay them £ 40,000,000 as a penalty!

So the providers for the scheme are on a no loss contract and, the conspiracy theorists could say it would be in the best interests of the provider for the scheme to fail!

Hmmm, wonder if that ever crossed the mind of Ms. Smith?

Barry Burton, Fareham.