HL Deb 20 July 1981 vol 423 c3

2.40 p.m.

The Earl of Kinnoull

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to improve the professional standard and training of forensic scientists employed by the Home Office and the standards of those already in practice.

Lord Belstead

My Lords, the greatest importance is attached to standards and training. The service has well-established schemes of quality assurance. It has its own training unit where, to date, several hundred scientists have been trained in basic principles and instrument use. The unit's programmes are kept under review. Emphasis is given to the development of new methods and techniques to improve the operational skills of the forensic scientists in regional laboratories. To this end the service's Central Research Establishment regularly conduct colloquia and specialised training projects.

The Earl of Kinnoull

My Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that informative reply, may I ask him whether he can confirm the important future use of forensic science in the detection of crime? Could my noble friend also say how many universities offer degree courses in this subject?

Lord Belstead

My Lords, I am afraid that the second point my noble friend put to me I cannot answer, but I will certainly write to him. So far as concerns the first point that my noble friend put, of course in view of the increase in crime in recent years the work of the forensic science service is of the greatest importance.