National DNA Database: Ethics Group Annual Report

Tuesday 24th March 2015 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Karen Bradley)]

My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Bates) has today made the following written ministerial statement:

I am pleased to announce the publication of the 7th annual report of the National DNA Database Ethics Group on 24 March 2015. The group was established on 25 July 2007 to provide Ministers with independent ethical advice on the operation and practice of the National DNA database.

I welcome the recommendations made within the report including the need to ensure rigour across DNA methodologies to minimise the risk of error and contamination and the importance of sharing DNA information internationally in order to assist in the apprehension of those that commit crimes across national borders.

The Ethics Group’s annual report can be viewed on the website of the National DNA Database Ethics Group and I am arranging for a copy to be placed in the Library the House.

[HCWS471]