HC Deb 04 May 1999 vol 330 cc313-4W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his letter of 18 June 1998, FC/98 333/1039/3 PO 10689/98, what progress has been made in joint research on the National DNA database. [81935]

Mr. Boateng

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 25 January 1999,Official Report, column 68. The analysis backlog was eliminated by the end of March as planned, and the benefits arising from the joint projects between the Forensic Science Service (FSS) and individual police forces are being evaluated.

On the wider issue of DNA analysis which was also covered by the letter of 18 June 1998, the joint research programme is still in progress.