To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the personal information of British citizens applying for identity cards in Greater Manchester from 30 November will be stored on the National Identity Register. (303791)

British citizens resident or working in Greater Manchester who apply for an identity card will have their identity information including biometrics stored on the National Identity Register. The register will hold the same sort of personal information as is already held for the issue of passports.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much has been spent on informing people in Greater Manchester that they may apply for identity cards from 30 November 2009. (303792)

The Identity and Passport Service has spent £41,195 to date to buy advertising space that utilises regional press and online search to inform people who live or work in Greater Manchester that they may apply for Identity Cards from 30 November 2009.