§ Miss Melanie JohnsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish the results of his consultation exercise about the Government's proposal to establish the Forensic Science Service as a trading fund; and what conclusions he has come to about the future financial regime for the operations of the service. [55925]
§ Mr. StrawI have today reported the outcome of the consultation exercise to establish the Forensic Science Service as a trading fund. Copies of my report are being placed in the Library. I have concluded, and my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary has agreed, that it would be in the interests of the improved efficiency and effectiveness of the management of the Forensic Science Service if its operations were financed by means of a trading fund. Important benefits will arise from this proposal: in particular the Forensic Science Service will be able to plan and manage its investment and business needs with a long term view. A draft Order under the Government Trading Funds Act 1973 (as amended) will shortly be brought before the House to secure approval for the establishment of the Forensic Science service Trading Fund.