§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration has been given to market testing has services provided by the Forensic Science Agency of Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [31566]
§ Sir John WheelerThe Forensic Science Agency for Northern Ireland became an agency on 1 September 1995. It is still in the process of developing and refining systems for charging and costing its services. The agency is disposed towards market testing and fully supports Government in this area. At the moment, I consider there is no reasonable or feasible opportunity to consider the transfer to the private sector of any part of its services. The issue will, however be addressed no later than the agency's quinquennial review—that is, by September 2000—and before that if suitable opportunities arise.