HL Deb 06 March 2003 vol 645 c121WA
Baroness Harris of Richmond

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the average waiting time for the analysis of suspicious substances in each police forensic laboratory in England and Wales. [HL1812]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)

In answering the noble Baroness, Lady Harris, the analysis of supicious substances has been taken to mean the analysis of small amounts of all types of drugs, including controlled drugs, in drugs possession cases.

The average turnaround times for the analysis of all types of drugs in drugs possession cases are set out below for the period 1 November 2002 to 31 January 2003.

Complex cases, which require a more detailed level of analysis, may take longer to deliver.

Turnaround times for drugs possession cases:

  • Birmingham—11.7 days
  • Chepstow—9.3 days
  • Chorley—l0.5 days
  • Huntingdon—9.5 days
  • Wetherby—10.1 days
  • London—12.2 days

The Forensic Science Service does not deal with the identification or analysis of supicious substances in potential terrorism cases.