§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the impact of the ruling which allows the police to retain DNA samples from suspects later released without charge. [48256]
§ Mr. DenhamThe requirement for the police to destroy fingerprint and DNA samples taken from suspects later released was amended by Article 82 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 which allows the police discretion to retain these samples. DNA provides an important tool in the fight against serious crime and in particular offences of violence against the person. The Government are pleased that the Court has upheld its view that the law strikes a fair balance between the interests of the individual, the victims of crime and society as a whole. The court's decision will allow the police to continue to make best use of this important scientific technology in the fight against crime.