Written question asked by Harold Best (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 February 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 February 2004. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 February 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on the storage of DNA samples by the Forensic Science Service.

Answer: Mr. Best: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the storage of DNA samples by the Forensic Science Service. [153768] Ms Blears: The laboratories that analyse DNA samples, including those within the Forensic Science Service, are also responsible for their retention, integrity, security and, where appropriate, their destruction. The conditions under which these laboratories store such samples must fulfil the requirements of the International Quality Standard ISO 17025 and the Data Protection Act 1998. In addition, it is a specific requirement of the Custodian of the National DNA Database that DNA samples taken for entry on to the Database are kept in a managed storage system at a temperature below -15oC in access-controlled, physically secure accommodation. Laboratories are required to undertake periodic monitoring of the samples and their compliance with the International Quality Standard ISO 17025 is independently audited at least annually by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 417 c1502W; 153768
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Databases Criminal investigation Evidence Forensic science Genetics Storage Forensic Science Service
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk