Written question asked by Patrick Mercer (Conservative) on Wednesday, 18 November 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 November 2009. It was answered by Lord Hanson of Flint (Labour) on Monday, 30 November 2009 on behalf of the Home Office.

DNA and Fingerprint Database

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether foreign intelligence agencies or agents have access to (a) the Government's DNA and fingerprint database and (b) other private information on British citizens and residents gathered under counter-terrorism legislation in the last five years.

Answer: Foreign intelligence agencies do not have direct access to the UK's DNA and fingerprint databases. But it is possible for them to receive DNA and fingerprint information from the UK by, for example, making a request for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, or through intelligence channels via organisations such as Interpol and Europol.The UK has counter-terrorism police officers (counter-terrorism and extremism liaison officers known as CTELOs) based within foreign law enforcement agencies and UK missions. Their role is to co-ordinate bilateral and multilateral liaison (including operational inquiries), requests for international legal assistance and exchange of police counter-terrorism and extremism intelligence.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 501 c476W; 301019
Session: 2009-10
Related items: DNA and Fingerprint Database
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Counter-terrorism International cooperation
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk