Forensic Science Service

HC Deb 15 June 1998 vol 314 cc66-7W

Mr. Clappison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the average time taken for scientific analysis to be carried out by the Forensic Science Service at the request of the police in respect of material submitted for DNA testing; [44165]

(2) what is the average time taken for analysis of blood to be carried out by the Forensic Science Service at the request of the police; [44163]

(3) what is the average time taken for scientific analysis to be carried out by the Forensic Science Service at the request of the police in respect of samples believed to be (a) heroin, (b) ecstasy, (c) LSD, (d) amphetamines, (e) cocaine and (f) cannabis. [44164]

Mr. Michael

The plans for the Forensic Science Service for the next two years include a focus on delivering improvements in turn-around times to meet all police requirements. This will mean an expansion in output of over 30 per cent. which will be achieved by the substantial recruitment and training of new staff and the development of existing staff.

Where police forces have requested analysis of material by techniques other than DNA (conventional blood grouping techniques), the average turn-around time (taken over the year 1997/98) is 66 days. This is compared with 65 days in 1996/97. The year 1997/98 has seen a 112 per cent. increase in submissions.

In cases involving cannabis identification, the average turn-around time (taken over the year 1997/98) is 24 days, compared with 19 days in 1996/97. For non-cannabis drugs, the average time taken is 22 days, compared with 17 days in 1996/97. Figures are not kept separately for each individual non-cannabis drug.

Where police forces have requested DNA analysis of material from crime scenes, or for intelligence or casework purposes, the average turn-around time (taken over the year 1997/98) is 44 days, compared with 71 days in 1996/97.

The times are measured from submission of the material to the Forensic Science Service to the delivery of a written statement. The average figures include urgent cases where a rapid response is needed and an improvement in turn-around times in all these cases over the year.