Written question asked by Baroness Neville-Jones (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord West of Spithead (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 December 2009.

National DNA Database

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they retain the DNA and fingerprints of those detained under the Terrorism Act 2000; and, if so, for how much longer they will continue to do so.

Answer: The police can and do retain DNA and fingerprints taken from persons detained under the Terrorism Act 2000. There is currently no limit on the length of time these can be held. We announced on 11 November that we are proposing to put a new retention framework in place for DNA and fingerprints via the new Crime and Security Bill. Our proposals include new retention timeframes for material taken under the Terrorism Act 2000. The proposal is that such material must be deleted within six years where the material relates to a person aged 18 years or over (and samples will be destroyed within six months or as soon as the DNA sample has been profiled). However the material may be retained beyond this six-year period where the chief officer of police determines that it is necessary to retain it for purposes of national security. In such cases the material may be retained for a period of no more than two years although this is renewable. The policy for juveniles would be similar but would take account of the differential treatment proposed for juveniles more generally in the context of DNA retention in the Bill.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 202; 715 c28WA
Session: 2009-10
Related items: National DNA Database
Monday, 11 January 2010
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Databases Detainees Fingerprints DNA Terrorism
Legislation: Terrorism Act 2000
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk