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Written question asked by David Nuttall (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 April 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 April 2016 (named day). It was answered by Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton (Conservative) on Monday, 18 April 2016 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

World War I

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether it is his Department's policy that DNA samples should be taken when the remains of British soldiers who died in World War One are recovered.

Answer

When remains thought to be of a British Serviceman are located, DNA samples may be taken if there is a realistic chance of a positive match to living descendants.

With over 300,000 British and Commonwealth personnel who died in World War One still having no known grave, the chances of one individual being linked to recovered remains alone are extremely remote.

Whilst extensive efforts are made to positively identify any recovered remains, these must first concentrate on forensic analysis of the remains, artefacts and clothing recovered, along with examination of documentary records such as Regimental War Diaries. Only once this work has identified a relatively small group cohort of likely names would DNA testing prove practical.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
33754
Session
2015-16
Related items
World War I
Wednesday, 4 May 2016
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
DNA Testing World War I
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk