To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department with reference to the written ministerial statement of 11 November 2009, Official Report, columns 25-28WS, on DNA and fingerprint retention, whether all those arrested and not charged under counter-terrorism legislation will have their DNA retained beyond the six-year limit. (301934)

DNA profiles and fingerprints taken from adults detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 or Schedule 7 to that Act will only be retained beyond six years if the relevant chief officer of police determines that it is necessary to do so for national security purposes.

All cases will be reviewed on a rolling two year basis after the six year timeframe and the material will be destroyed when it is no longer necessary to retain it for those purposes.