Written question asked by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Monday, 8 June 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 June 1998. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 1998 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to establish a forensic science inspectorate. - Inc ref to 21 May 1998, 312 c449-50W.

Answer: Mr. Mullin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to establish a forensic science inspectorate; and if he will make a statement. [45359] Mr. Michael: As my right hon. Friend indicated in the answer he gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton, North (Ms Keeble) on 21 May 1998, Official Report, columns 449-50, the Government considered three sets of proposals for oversight of forensic science, including one by Professor Caddy recommending consideration of the establishment of any Inspectorate of Forensic Science Services. In light of the progress made in recent years by the forensic science industry to promote quality and standards, including the external accreditation of laboratories by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service and the British Standards Institute, we believe that the forensic science community's own proposals to establish a Registration Council for Forensic Practitioners offers the most practical way forward. The Government accordingly support the setting up of the Registration Council.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 314 c71W; 45359
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Enforcement Forensic science Quality control Standards Forensic Science Practitioners Registration Council