HC Deb 22 February 1990 vol 167 cc917-9W
63. Mr. Cummings

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received calling for an increase in the staffing level at the Metropolitan police forensic science laboratory.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

I am not aware of any such representations. The staffing ceiling of the Metropolitan police forensic science laboratory is set by the Commissioner, within the total ceiling for civil staff set by my right hon. and learned Friend as the police authority.

66. Mr. Bermingham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current establishment at the Metropolitan police forensic science laboratory; and in how many months in each of the past three years the numbers in post reached full complement.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

I understand from the Commissioner that the current complement of the Metropolitan police forensic science laboratory is 297, of which 279½ posts are currently filled. The numbers in post have not reached full complement during the last three years.

Mr. Caborn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the performance of the Metropolitan police forensic science laboratory.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

I understand from the Commissioner that no systematic management information about the performance of the laboratory is available, but that the time taken to deal with some types of case, particularly the less serious, has increased in the last year or so. We are discussing with the receiver a case for pay improvements to help deal with staffing problems, and we shall be looking at other management issues and their effect on performance.

81. Mr. Morley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has on the change in the workload of the Metropolitan police forensic science laboratory in each of the last three years.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

I understand from the Commissioner that no management information system exists to provide data on workload, as opposed to the cruder measure of caseload. However, the available figures show that cases dealt with by the laboratory fell from 27,985 in 1987 to 18,053 in 1989, a fall of 35 per cent. I understand that this reduction reflected in part a decision not to carry out forensic examination in certain types of low priority case, such as possession of cannabis cases where a guilty plea is expected.

71. Mr. Alan W. Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the operation of the Metropolitan police forensic science laboratory.

Mr. Watson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the operation of the Metropolitan police forensic science laboratory.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

I understand from the Commissioner that no systematic management information about the performance of the laboratory is available, but that the time taken to deal with some types of case, particularly the less serious, has increased in the last year or so. A factor affecting performance is difficulty in retaining scientific staff, though I understand that the staffing position has recently improved and that the laboratory is now within 5 per cent. of its authorised complement for forensic scientists. We are discussing with the receiver a case for pay improvements to help deal with staffing problems. However, it is important that we look at all the management issues which may have a bearing on performance—not just pay.