To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 11 June 2007, Official Report, column 894W, on genetics: databases, what studies have been conducted by her Department on the impact of the national DNA database on black and minority ethnic communities. (154203)

The Home Office Forensic Science and Pathology Unit conducted a review in 2005-06. In April 2007 responsibility for the National DNA Database transferred to the National Policing Improvement Agency who are currently conducting an equality impact assessment on the database.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 11 June 2007, Official Report, column 894W, on genetics: databases, what consultations she has had with representatives of (a) the Commission for Racial Equality and (b) black and minority ethnic communities on the use of the national DNA database. (154297)

The National Policing Improvement Agency has consulted with representatives from the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), including the CRE director of legal services. The ongoing equality impact assessment of the National DNA Database will include a programme of consultation with minority communities and in particular young black people.