Written question asked by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Friday, 20 June 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 June 2008. It was answered by Vera Baird (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 June 2008 on behalf of the Solicitor General.

Genetics: Data Protection

Question: To ask the Solicitor-General pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 21 May 2008, Official Report, columns 28-30WS, on DNA profiles: disk inquiry, what disciplinary action has been taken against staff; against whom it has been taken; and what other management action and internal procedural changes have been put in place to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.

Answer: Following the inquiry by Peter Lewis, chief executive of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) into the handling of the Dutch DNA disk, disciplinary proceedings have been instigated against one member of staff but have not yet concluded. It is not appropriate to name the individual concerned.Immediate measures were put in place within the relevant part of the Crown Prosecution Service headquarters (CPS HQ) to ensure that all incoming post is dealt with securely, and acted on both expeditiously and appropriately.The wider recommendations about the handling of such mutual exchange arrangements in future are being taken forward by the National Policing Improvement Agency. They should ensure that in future the appropriate recipients, not the CPS, receive and are properly notified of the transmission of such data.The chief executive has also commissioned a wider review to look at operating processes and working practices across the whole of CPS HQ to identify areas where further improvements can be made.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 213817; 478 c318W;478 c320W
Session: 2007-08
Related items: DNA Profiles Disk Inquiry
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Written statements
House of Commons
Subjects: Data protection Databases Genetics
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk