Engagements

Answer: I will certainly look at what the hon. Gentleman says, but I looked at that decision in some detail at the time, having known well the Forensic Science Service from when I worked at the Home Office many years ago. The evidence was pretty overwhelming that the model was not working and that change was needed. That is what has happened. Sometimes it is better to make that change rather than endlessly review it.

This is an answer to the Prime Minister's question asked on Wednesday, 12 October 2011 by Andrew Miller (Labour).

Question: Responding to the Science and Technology Committee's report on forensic science, a Home Office Minister has said: ““We don't agree with the committee's report. It mis-states a number of very significant points.”” Given that the Home Office's financial case was 50% adrift, and that it has now agreed with our argument that the national archive should be protected, will the Prime Minister urgently intervene and review the decision to close the Forensic Science Service? The country and the profession are now losing key scientific staff.

Secondary information