The new head of so-called e-government in the UK, Ian Watmore, is very keen on national identity cards and single ID numbers for all citizens. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

Theoretically, for example, a single ID number would make his job of joining up the IT dots for government significantly easier. That's something that is often neglected when it comes to grand schemes like ID cards or complex security systems. The agenda of the individual actors has a significant part to play in the position they take on any issue.

That it may be helpful to Mr Watmore in meeting whatever targets he might have, however, does not necessarily mean it is in the general interest of the rest of us.