Restating the Obvious

OK I'll conceed the point that this unnecessary database is better in French hands than an USA.

If we must have a card,and I'm not convinced we do, then why can't the data be on the card ?

Can yoiu imagine how long it is going to take you to get passed the Border Agency ( or what ever their lates name is) on your way back from holdays as they insist on checking your ID card agiaist a remote (32Mbit dial up connnecion0 database.

Bes t you allow an extra 2 days to the annual summer vacation. OOO sudden thought maybe this is a Green thing to cut down on people flying.

£18MILLION for a database !!!!!!!!! exactly what whistles and bells are they getting for that ?