The Sunday Times reported yesterday that Alan Johnson is "sympathetic" to claims that the scheme will undermine civil liberties.
The initiative, which was in Labour's manifesto at the last general election, was first launched following the September 11 attacks as a way of tackling terrorism.
It is due to be trialled in niche areas, including airside staff at the UK's airports, and is aet to be rolled out following a parliamentary vote after the next general election.
However, the Conservatives have voiced their opposition to the scheme and, even in the event of a Labour victory at the general election, there may be enough backbench rebels to halt the scheme.
In a statement responding to the speculation, Johnson said that ID cards were a "manifesto commitment".
3M Security Printing and Systems is understood to have won the contract to produce the initial run of ID cards.
Home secretary 'launches review' of ID card plans
A national introduction of ID cards has once again been called into question, following reports that the newly appointed home secretary has launched an urgent review of the 6bn scheme.
