The prime minister's official spokesman deserves overtime for his nifty side-stepping of difficult questions regarding ID cards today.
Asked whether members of the cabinet would take a lead in the introduction of the controversial documents by carrying them themselves, the ever-cautious civil servant said ID cards were not yet being introduced for British nationals and when the time came it would be for ministers themselves to decide whether to apply for one.
It will require a vote in parliament before they become compulsory for any British national, he reminded us.
Asked whether the prime minister was thinking of putting his application in early, the spokesman replied: "The prime minister is a supporter of ID cards. He thinks they bring many benefits. We are not yet at the point where they are being rolled out for individuals but I'm sure the prime minister would have no difficulty with having an ID card."
Looks like he may have a while to wait.
