HC Deb 27 November 2003 vol 415 cc402-4W
Dr. Kumar

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the proposed privatisation of the Forensic Science Service. [141861]

Ms Blears

We are not proposing to privatise the Forensic Science Service (FSS). The reasons for the decision to transform the FSS into a Public Private Partnership (PPP) were set out in the Home Secretary's statement to the House on 17 July. The actions we are taking to establish a successful PPP will ensure that the FSS will continue to compete successfully in partnership with government, while continuing to protect the public interest and deliver major benefits to the wider criminal justice system.

We have accepted the recommendation of the independent Review of the FSS that the National DNA Database should remain exclusively under public sector control. Arrangements for the future ownership, governance and management are currently subject to consultation between Association of Chief Police Officers, the Association of Police Authorities and the Home Office.

Colin Burgon

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what studies have been carried out to estimate the future level of investment needed by the Forensic Science Service in the years 2004 to 2007. [141933]

Ms Blears

Internal and external studies have been undertaken in order to estimate the future level of investment needed by the Forensic Science Service (FSS) in the years 2004–07.

Each year the FSS reviews its short, medium and long-term investment plans as part of its internal corporate and business planning process.

The recent Review of the FSS led by Robert McFarland in 2002–03 for the Home Office assessed the future level of investment needed by the Agency from an external perspective.

Additionally, the FSS's requirements in the area of investment will be reviewed as part of the move to establish it as a Public Private Partnership.

Colin Burgon

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what legislation is required to alter the status of the Forensic Science Service in line with the proposed Government plans for the service. [141934]

Ms Blears

The transformation of the Forensic Science Service into a Public Private Partnership will require the revocation of The Forensic Science Service Trading Fund Order 1998.

Colin Burgon

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the terms of reference are for the Development and Remuneration Committee of the Forensic Science Service. [141935]

Ms Blears

The Development and Remuneration Committee of the Forensic Science Service is responsible for advising on the organisation of the agency, the staff reward and recognition strategy, and its management and succession planning.

The Committee also reviews and makes recommendations regarding non-executive directors' fees and expenses, and the terms and conditions of the Chief Executive and the Executive Board.

Dr. Desmond Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will publish the terms of reference of the Home Office Review of the Forensic Science Service. [142191]

Ms Blears

I have arranged for a copy of the Final Report of the independent review of the Forensic Science Service to be placed in the Library.

Dr. Desmond Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will publish a timetable for the implementation of the recommendations of the Home Office Review of the Forensic Science Service. [142192]

Ms Blears

The implementation of the recommendations of the independent review of the Forensic Science Service. including the timetable for its transformation into a Public Private Partnership, are currently the subject of detailed discussions with key stakeholders.