To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment has been made of the likely effects of the proposed restructuring of the Forensic Science Service (FSS) on (a) the efficiency with which crimes will be solved and (b) the range of services and expertise available at the FSS. (280252)

The transformation of the Forensic Science Service (FSS) was announced by written ministerial statement on 8 June 2009, Official Report, column 21WS. The FSS will continue to provide its services to its customers throughout this period of change and the process of re-organisation is to make the business more efficient, more cost-effective and to consolidate its expertise so that it can compete more effectively in the competitive market for forensic procurement.

The way in which forensic science services are procured has changed significantly with the introduction of the National Forensic Procurement Framework, which is designed to improve the effectiveness of police procurement in this area.

It should be emphasized that at present all proposals are subject to collective consultation which was launched on 8 June 2009.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which Minister authorised the proposed job restructuring at the Forensic Science Service. (280401)

The transformation of the Forensic Science Service (FSS) was announced by written ministerial statement (WMS) on 8 June 2009, Official Report, column 21WS. As the WMS makes clear, the transformation programme is the central focus of the FSS Strategic Business Plan presented by the board to the Home Office in December, and now approved following rigorous consultation with HM Treasury.

There are as yet no firm proposals for restructuring, the FSS has launched a consultation process on a major transformation programme, with the support of the Home Office shareholder.