Written question asked by Baroness Neville-Jones (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord West of Spithead (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 December 2009.

National DNA Database

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the possibility that (a) foreign intelligence agencies or (b) foreign law enforcement agencies might gain unauthorised access to the United Kingdom's DNA and fingerprint databases; and whether they have made an assessment of whether such agencies have the capabilities and intent to gain unauthorised access now or in the future.

Answer: Direct access to information on the National DNA database is restricted to around 35 designated personnel working for the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA). Police forces do not have access to the information on the NDNAD, but receive reports from the NDNAD Delivery Unit of matches between DNA taken from crime scenes and that taken from individuals. Security measures are applied to the NDNAD to prevent unauthorised access, whether by a foreign intelligence agency or anyone else. These measures are in accordance with HM Government policy and guidance. Assessments with regard to the intent and capability of foreign intelligence services to access the fingerprint database are a standard part of the risk assessment and security accreditation process conducted in accordance with HM Government information assurance policy. This assessment is reviewed on an annual basis.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 136; 715 c50-1WA
Session: 2009-10
Related items: National DNA Database
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
Written questions
House of Lords; National DNA Database
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Access Databases Fingerprints DNA Intelligence services Foreign nationals
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk