Here's the story from the Independent.

I thought they were expensive enough as it is. Maybe this move will make it cheaper in the future though, as they should have everybody's details on computer, but I'm not sure that I like the idea of THAT. Some civil servants are really dozy and could really screw things up for you. "I'm sorry Mr Smith, but you don't exist. You're not on the computer."

How will Brit's get visa's on a plastic card ? I find myself agreeing with those anti the idea

I guess they'll be similar to the smart ID cards just introduced in HK, with a chip embedded into the card. All details - nationality, travel history, visas, etc. are on the chip which is scanned every time you pass immigration.

Your thumb print and photo are also stored.

Next year, when going thru' HK immigration with one of these cards, you do not need to see an immigration officer - just feed your card into a reader, put your thumb onto a scanner, and if your data is OK and everything matches, you thru'.

It seems more secure and efficient than the currant passport procedures.

Also, if you lose one, it is of no use to anyone else - just get a replacement.

The system will be developed to enable many uses where identification is necessary - libraries, various admitance varifications and even financial transactions.

In california they are starting to use this tech already, i have heard that all they do is scan your pp like a credit card, if you are getting a new pp in the state they will distribute the new tech pp.

Well, we cannot stop the future. Finger Prints, iris images...

Two years ago was a movie on HBO, the only thing I remember some guy's eyballs have been removed to get entry into a bank vault BRRRRR.

I doubt they will ever come up with a way that will make it cheaper. More efficient maybe but government never seems to be able to lower the price with increased productivity and efficiency. They usually just find something else to put the savings to

I agree dr PP, one thing how will they deal with the visa issue if its on a plastic card? Kinda hard to put the stickers all over the thing and still use it eh?

I remember that movie Axel freaky huh?

Keep it real!

You are dead right Stoney....government bullsh. And a fundraiser...that won't work

I doubt they will ever come up with a way that will make it cheaper.

Actually the card's FOC in HK where carrying an ID is mandatory for residents.

Oh Yes! Nearly forgot - and we pay 15% income tax and no sales tax (VAT) in HK - hehehehe. How's the weather in UK?

How's the weather in UK?

FOG!

Re UK Passports price increase...True but I managed to buy a new one before the jump.....11 years this time should see me out