To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with Greater Manchester Police Force on its decision to hold back all volume crime work from processing by the Forensic Science Service until the next financial year; and if he will make a statement. (317843)

This is a matter for, primarily, the Greater Manchester police in consultation with its forensic suppliers. The FSS has received notification that Greater Manchester police has temporarily suspended submissions of fibres, gun shot residue and glass cases.