HC Deb 28 October 1986 vol 103 cc90-1W
Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions have taken place between his Department and Imperial Chemical Industries about the commercial development of DNA testing; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waddington

ICI has held preliminary discussions about its plans for commercial developments of DNA testing with officials of the Department.

Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans have been made for a trial of DNA testing by his Department; how many applicants are included in the trial; from what countries the applicants originate; who will analyse the DNA tests; where that analysis will take place; what criteria have been used to identify those taking part in the trial; and if they will be charged fees;

(2) what information has been given to interested individuals and organisations about the progress of the DNA trial; and if he will make a statement;

(3) what plans have been made for a pilot study in connection with DNA tests; how many applicants are included in the study; in which countries the applicants live; who will analyse the DNA tests; where that analysis will take place; what criteria have been used to identify the applicants taking part in the pilot study; if the applicants taking part in the pilot study will be charged fees; what information has been given to interested individuals and organisations about the progress of the pilot study; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waddington

We plan to hold a trial applying DNA testing to a sample of about 40 immigration cases, drawn from various countries, where a parent-child relationship is fundamental to the claim to enter or remain in the United Kingdom. The details have yet to be finalised. Dr. Jeffreys of the University of Leicester has agreed to undertake the analysis. There will be no additional fee other than the normal entry clearance fee payable by entry clearance applicants.

My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs discussed our proposals with representatives of a number of interested organisations in April. Families invited to participate in the trial will be given full information.

Back to