§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information he has on published440W research on the possibility of obtaining sufficient DNA for DNA profiling by mouth swabs by rubbing the area between lip and gum with a bud of cotton wool without recourse to taking scrapes from the inside of the buccal cavity, or using the polymcrase chain reaction test.
§ Mr. Ian Stewart[holding answer 21 February 1989]: I am not aware of any published research which specifically addresses the point raised by the hon. Member, although I understand that the application of the technique of DNA profiling to mouth swabs generally has been mentioned in a number of publications.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the research by scientists from the Northern Ireland forensic science laboratory on DNA profiling by mouth swabs will be published; in which scientific journal it is expected to appear; and if he will make it his policy to subject the papers to peer review prior to publication.
§ Mr. Ian Stewart[holding answer 21 February 1989]: I understand that it is at present too early to say when a report of the results of work done by the laboratory on DNA profiling of material from mouth swabs will be available for publication. Nor has any decision been taken as to the scientific journal to which this report may be offered. Whether or not the report is subject to peer review will be for decision in the light of the policy of the particular journal in which it is published.