HC Deb 15 February 1988 vol 127 cc438-9W
Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in the light of Dr. Skuse's evidence before the Court of Appeal, he will give the data of the first recorded expression of doubt about Dr. Skuse's competence; and what form it took.

Mr. John Patten

It is not the practice to disclose details of this nature about individual members of staff.

Mr. Clay

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases in which Dr. Frank Skuse gave evidence as a Home Office forensic scientist the defendant entered a not guilty plea.

Mr. John Patten

[holding answer 8 February 1988]: The forensic science service does not keep records of the pleas entered by defendants in cases which it investigates.

Mr. Clay

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of cases, year by year, in which Dr. Frank Skuse gave evidence as a Home Office forensic scientist.

Mr. John Patten

[holding answer 8 February 1988]: The information is not available in the form requested.