Written question asked by Alan Duncan (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 January 1997. It was answered by Lord Howard of Lympne (Conservative) on Wednesday, 29 January 1997 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: What decision he has made about the future status of the Police Scientific Development Branch.

Answer: Mr. Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what decision he has made about the future status of the police scientific development branch. [13629] Mr. Howard: The prior options review found that the functions performed by the police scientific development branch are needed and that it should remain in the public sector as an integral part of the Home Office. The review concluded, however, that in order to enhance the customer focus of the branch, a number of further managerial improvements should be adopted. The director of PSDB will put these in place as soon as possible. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is also making a general statement today on the overall outcome of the prior options review programme of public sector research establishments.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 13629; 289 c218W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Government research establishments Efficiency scrutinies Police Scientific Development Branch