Metropolitan Police Forensic Science Laboratory

HC Deb 05 November 1979 vol 973 cc10-1W

Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what geographical areas are covered by the Metropolitan Police forensic science laboratory; what is the annual cost of the operation; and if any part of this is met by his Department or forces outside the metropolitan area but serviced by the laboratory;

(2) if he is satisfied with the operation of the fire investigation unit of the Metropolitan Police forensic science laboratory; and if he has any plans to devolve the work of the unit;

(3) if he has any plans for devolving the work of the Metropolitan Police forensic science laboratory; and if he will make a statement;

(4) if he is satisfied with the performance of the Metropolitan Police forensic science laboratory; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Whitelaw

The Metropolitan Police forensic science laboratory serves, in addition to the Metropolitan Police district, the areas covered by the City of London, Surrey, Sussex, Kent, Essex and Hertfordshire constabularies. In addition, work is carried out from time to time at the request of central Government Departments and of British Protectorate police forces. In 1978–9, the cost of the operation was £3,215,014, of which £1,013,710 was borne on behalf of the Home Counties' forces by the Home Office under common police services arrangements.

The Commissioner has decided to relieve the Metropolitan Police forensic science laboratory of responsibility for providing a service to police forces in the Home Counties of Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Essex and Hertfordshire. This work, including the relevant part of the work of the fire investigation unit, will be transferred over a period to the laboratories of the Home Office forensic science service. The Commissioner regards the performance of the Metropolitan Police forensic science laboratory, including that of the fire investigation unit, in providing a technical support service to the police as excellent and wishes me to place on record his appreciation of the high standard of work carried out by the laboratory's staff.