§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made by the ICI subsidiary responsible for the commercial development of DNA testing about current arrangements at the British embassy at Islamabad for blood samples to be collected.
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many days in each month the British embassy in Islamabad makes arrangements to take samples in connection with DNA tests; if there are plans to increase the number of days; how many blood samples have been taken in the last two years, to date; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarOn average the British embassy in Islamabad arrange for two daily DNA testing sessions each month. Since DNA tests commenced sessions have taken place as follows:
651W
- October 1987 — 1 Day
- November 1987 — 4 Days
- December 1987 — Nil
- January 1988 — 1 Day
- February 1988 — 1 Day
- March 1988 — 4 Days
There are no plans to increase the number of sessions each month. Including the pilot scheme, 218 blood samples have been taken from mid-1987, when the local facility became available, to date.
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people have applied to the British embassy in Islamabad to offer blood samples in connection with DNA tests; what is the average waiting time for a person awaiting an appointment to offer blood; and what action is being taken to reduce waiting times.
§ Mr. EggarNo records of people applying direct to the British embassy in Islamabad have been kept, but they are few in number. It is more common for the sponsor to initiate action with Cellmark in the United Kingdom. The latter forwards lists to the embassy. An average of five weeks then elapses before the appointment. This period could be reduced only at the expense of other work.