Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Derek Wyatt (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 24 February 2010 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: Kensley Larrier was convicted of rape in 2005, based on DNA held on the national database. Is it not the case that if storage were restricted to three years, he would be walking free?

Answer: This is a very important issue, and a national debate would help us to resolve these issues. Last year there were 832 matches to the national DNA database, and those were made in cases of murder, manslaughter and rape. That is why the database is supported by the families of victims as essential in protecting the public. So any Conservative party proposal that reduces the DNA register's ability to punish and find those people who are criminals is, I believe, a step backwards for justice in the country. I hope that the Conservative party will think again about a policy that would leave people who are guilty free as a result of our inability to take the action that is necessary.

Secondary information