Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 July 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 31 July 1998. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Friday, 31 July 1998 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his letter FC/98 333/1039/3 of 18th June, what progress has been made by the Forensic Science Service in exploring how the police might utilise DNA techniques.

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his letter FC/98 333/1039/3 of 18 June 1998, what progress has been made by the Forensic Science Service in exploring how the police might utilise DNA techniques. [54053] Mr. Michael: The National DNA Database was established in April 1995. The success of the database has stimulated joint research between the Forensic Science Service and police forces on how to make best use of the information that DNA analysis can provide to support crime investigation. Some progress has been made in developing tests that may help to determine the race, hair and eye colour, for example, of the suspect from a stain left at the scene of a crime. Research presently underway with several police forces is aimed at evaluating the usefulness of this information in helping to identify suspects.

Secondary information