HC Deb 29 October 1992 vol 212 cc763-4W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to give a DNA profile the same status as a fingerprint for the purpose of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984; and what response he intends to make to the comments made by the registrar in his annual report on DNA profiles.

Mr. Charles Wardle

The Royal Commission on criminal justice has been asked to examine the issues surrounding the collection, storage and use of DNA material obtained by the police during the course of an investigation. My right hon. and learned Friend will consider the need for legislation in the light of the royal commission's recommendations.

The retention of DNA profiles for research purposes by the Metropolitan police, which the Data Protection Registrar refers to in his report, is a matter for the Commissioner.