23. To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions for serious crimes resulted from prosecutions which utilised DNA samples from the national DNA database in the last 12 months. (254659)

Data are available on the number of detections with DNA, but not the number of prosecutions or convictions, by financial year. In 2007-08, 83 homicides and 184 rapes were detected in which a DNA match was available. Convictions are achieved through integrated criminal investigation so it is not possible to say whether the DNA match was the key factor in solving the crime.

24. To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions she has had with the Information Commissioner on the length of time for which samples are held on the national DNA database. (254660)

We will publish a Forensics White Paper later this year setting out how we propose to implement the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights on 4 December 2008 in the case of S and Marper. Discussions with key stakeholders will take place ahead of publication.