§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether the Government's trial to test the acceptability and feasibility of the DNA technique for immigration work has been completed; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is his provisional timetable for DNA tests to be available for all seeking right of entry to Britain at United Kingdom embassies and commissions on the Indian subcontinent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RentonThe Government's pilot trial is in its final stages. A report is being prepared, and a copy will be placed in the Library. No decisions have been taken yet on the policy arising out of DNA testing, but meanwhile facilities are available at British diplomatic posts in Dhaka708W and Islamabad for blood samples to be taken and transported to the United Kingdom in connection with commercial DNA tests in immigration cases.