§ Mr. DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what decision he has made about the future status of the police scientific development branch. [13629]
§ Mr. HowardThe prior options review found that the functions performed by the police scientific development branch are needed and that it should remain in the public sector as an integral part of the Home Office. The review concluded, however, that in order to enhance the customer focus of the branch, a number of further managerial improvements should be adopted. The director of PSDB will put these in place as soon as possible.
My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is also making a general statement today on the overall outcome of the prior options review programme of public sector research establishments.