Written question asked by Gordon Prentice (Labour) on Monday, 13 January 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 January 2003. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Monday, 27 January 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what DNA data is held on people with criminal convictions; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what DNA data are held on people with criminal convictions; and if he will make a statement. [91155] Mr. Denham: The DNA profile of people with criminal convictions is held on the National DNA database. The profile is derived from a sample taken by the police from the offender. A part of the original sample is also preserved for possible use in the future. This is to enable the profile to be upgraded if necessary in the light of advances in DNA technology and for quality assurance purposes.

Secondary information