Written question asked by Huw Edwards (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 March 2005. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 March 2005 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 future of the Forensic Science Service; what representations he has received on the future of the Forensic Science Service.

Answer: Mr. Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement on the future of the Forensic Science Service; [216824] (2) what representations he has received on the future of the Forensic Science Service. [216825] Caroline Flint: As my statement of 11 January made clear, it is the Government's intention to transform the Forensic Science Service (FSS) into a wholly owned Government company (GovCo) during the course of this year. It is intended that GovCo should be a success, but we recognise that, in future, it may need access to private sector capital and skills in order to meet its full potential. I recognise that there have been a range of representations expressing concern about our proposals for the FSS, but my statement made clear the need for change in the face of increased competition, the emergence of new technology and the action of the police service to achieve strategic market management.

Secondary information