§ Mr. ButcherTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the accuracy of DNA tests; and if he will now introduce legislation to make blood tests compulsory in cases of disputed paternity.
Mr. John M. TaylorDNA profiling evidence may be conclusive in eliminating a putative father from being the natural father of a child. It is also a technique which can provide extremely strong evidence of positive association and in most instances of dispute is the most accurate way to determine paternity. Courts already have the power to order such tests in appropriate cases. I have no plans to amend the law to make blood tests compulsory in cases of disputed paternity.