HC Deb 12 May 2004 vol 421 cc350-1W
Mr. Pound

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the outline business case and financial analysis of the privatisation of the Forensic Science Service will be published. [171397]

Caroline Flint

It is not intended to privatise the Forensic Science Service, but to develop the organisation as a public private partnership (PPP). The outline business case currently being prepared will look in detail at how to optimise the performance and economic prospects of the PPP and will include a financial analysis of the impact of the proposed change of status. We expect to be able to announce the results of the work on the outline business case by July.

Colin Burgon

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times since July 2003 he has met trade unions representing the Forensic Science Service workforce to discuss the future of the Service. [171759]

Caroline Flint

[holding answer 10 May 2004]: Ministers last met formally with the Forensic Science Service trade union representatives on 20 October 2003. Since then there have been a number of helpful meetings at official level.