Stupid reader's letter of the day

From The FT:

Sir, With reference to Sue Cameron’s Notebook (Wanted: Champion earner for old rope, February 4), the advertisement for the National Identity Scheme commissioner makes abundantly clear that this is not a "selling job for ID cards". The commissioner will be an independent regulator who will act in the interests of the public.

When people talk to me about identity cards, one of their most frequent concerns is how they can be sure their data will be secured safely. The commissioner will have oversight of this, reporting at least once a year to parliament. The government is committed to genuine independence and powers of scrutiny for this role.

Meg Hillier, Minister for Identity, London.

"Act in the interests of the public"? Hmmm. How about just not having ID cards in the first place? What could possibly go wrong?

On a related topic, half a cheer for Chris Grayling of the Tories, who appears to oppose the travel data scheme, although whether out of principle or because it simply won't work on a technical level, is unclear.