To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evaluation of the options for the future of the Forensic Science Service has been undertaken; who was commissioned to undertake the evaluation; when it was commissioned; what the estimated cost was; and if she will place in the Library a synopsis of the evaluation report. (205504)

[holding answer 13 May 2008]: We have yet to reach a decision on the future status of the Forensic Science Service Ltd. We are currently considering advice based upon contributions from a number of sources, including a review commissioned and paid for from McKinseys by the FSS board last autumn. The review on shaping the future market of forensic science services, while helpful, was specifically aimed at the broader context and did not consider status options for the FSS itself. We intend to publish soon plans for the future delivery of forensic science to the Criminal Justice System which will include a decision on the future status of the Forensic Science Service.