29 NOVEMBER 2003, Page 42

Plastic fantastic

From David I. Marks Sir: Contrary to Paul Robinson's assertion ('Identity crisis', 15 November), my EU identity card works extremely well in practice. Flying from Nairobi without a visa for a Schengen country in my Kenya passport, I would not be permitted to board the air craft, but my EU ID card is accepted by all relevant airlines.

In addition, the card is useful for paying by Eurocheque anywhere within the EU. I value it greatly.

David Marks

Puymaurin, France