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But a draft of the LSE analysis calculated the cost of implementing the scheme at between £12bn and £18bn - up to £300 per card.The report suggested the Government had underestimated the cost of the technology needed to run the system. Rather than £250 to £750 for each of the biometric card scanners, the LSE report concluded "a more likely figure would be ... The Government insists the introduction of ID cards, initially alongside biometric passports, is essential to combat identity fraud, terrorism and fraudulent use of public services.The Bill's opponents, who include the Tories, Liberal Democrats and some left-wing Labour MPs, will seize on the LSE findings, which will be released next month.Publishing the Bill last week, ministers put the cost of making and distributing cards at £5.8bn over 10 years, or £93 per card. Ministers strongly rejected the LSE's findings, which accused the Government of making a series of basic errors in calculating the price of the scheme.The ID Cards Bill was reintroduced last week after running out of time before the election. The introduction of identity cards could become Labour's poll tax, the Government was told after an academic study put a £300-a-card price tag on the controversial scheme. If we win, as a result of that, it's yet another reason why the Government should be looking at a fairer voting system."Nearly 30,000 readers have so far backed The Independent's Campaign for Democracy to make the House of Commons more representative of the way the country votes..
London believes it can win over many New York and Madrid supporters. Don Foster, the Liberal Democrats' sports spokes-man, said: "We stand a much better chance of winning on the fairer voting system that's in operation by the IOC. Between them they will visit 14 countries in the next six weeks, with much of their focus on garnering promises of second-preference votes.Moscow is expected to go out in the first round of voting, probably followed by New York and then Madrid. Tickets for the event- an interview followed by questions - are priced from £30 to £330 and it may raise about £80,000, but Mrs Blair's fee is unknown.Chris Grayling, the shadow Commons Leader, said: "Surely he must realise how bad it looks ... making money in a way which is so clearly linked to his duties as head of Government."Downing Street said it was a "private engagement" and stressed it would cost the taxpayer nothing as Mrs Blair would make her own travel arrangements.
It also said she had been booked to appear before the White House talks were set up.. Although Tony Blair appears determined to defend the first-past-the-post voting system for general elections, he has every reason to be relieved that the host city for the 2012 Oympics is not selected on the same basis. He was popular, had a wide circle of friends and touched the lives of all he met He will be desperately missed.". Tony Blair has been accused of "cashing in" on an official visit to the United States by allowing his wife to accept a lucrative speaking engagement shortly before he meets President George Bush.
