PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice has backed the introduction of identity cards and a compulsory register of genetic "DNA fingerprints."

But this has divided him from his Hyndburn Labour colleague Greg Pope who remains to be convinced on both counts.

Home Secretary David Blunkett has angered civil liberties campaigners by preparing legislation to force people to carry ID cards containing biometric data such as iris scans.

And he also wants to require people to give samples of DNA to help in criminal investigations and to identify bodies or missing persons.

Mr Prentice, normally considered to be on the left, has backed both moves.

He said that advances in technology meant that ID cards would be difficult, if not impossible, to forge.

And he had to come to the conclusion that there was so much identity fraud related to crime that, despite his former opposition to the idea ,he was now in favour.

He said that on DNA registration, the technology was so advanced that a flake of skin or a strand of hair was enough to establish identity.

He said a voluntary DNA database would not work but a compulsory one would provide a vast reservoir of useful information.

But he accepted there would have to be tight safeguards to stop the police abusing DNA fingerprints or than being passed on to third parties such as private detectives.

But Mr Pope was unconvinced. He said: "I remain doubtful about ID cards. There are strong arguments both for and against

" It will create a whole new group of offences such as failing to carry a card or forging one.

"I need to be persuaded. I feel the same about the DNA database. While there are arguments in favour, there are strong civil liberties implications.

"Once again I will need to be convinced to support it."