Widespread public consultation on the introduction of identity cards in the UK is expected to get underway within the next few weeks.

But the Home Office has dismissed reports that "entitlement cards" could be introduced by the end of this year by Home Secretary David Blunkett.

Both the prime minister and home secretary are believed eager to introduce the cards in an attempt to cut street crime.

Would we want ID police checks?

The computerised cards could store a photograph, finger prints and personal information including name and address.

Civil Rights group Liberty expressed its opposition to the plans earlier this year when Mr Blunkett asked for feedback on the cards.

According to the News of the World, carrying the cards would be compulsory for asylum seekers, but other people could be ordered to produce their ID at a police station on a later date.

A source reported to be close to the home secretary is said to have told the newspaper: "These entitlement cards are used throughout Europe without any fuss - they are an accepted part of daily life.

Nationwide scheme

"When we complain to other European nations that they are not doing enough to stop asylum seekers coming to Britain, they simply shrug.

"They tell us it is not a surprise because we do not have a nationwide identity card scheme.

"It's far easier for asylum seekers to disappear within hours, entering the black market."

Outlining the scheme earlier this year, Mr Blunkett said: "We have made it clear that the introduction of an entitlement card would be a major step and that we will not proceed without consulting widely and considering all the views expressed very carefully.

�1bn cost?

"There are many arguments - both philosophical and practical - for and against a scheme."

At the time, Mike O'Brien, the former Labour home office minister, now a junior foreign office minister, argued that introducing ID cards would cost �1bn. He also said they could be easily forged.

Mr O'Brien said the money would be better spent on policing.

Meanwhile, Mr Blair has welcomed the Europe-wide clampdown on illegal immigrants, saying the action will not "shut out" legitimate asylum seekers.

The prime minister said the new measures, agreed at the EU summit in Seville, were about targeting criminal gangs who smuggle people into the UK.