To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord West of Spithead on 1 December (WA 28) concerning the national DNA database, what guidance they provide to assist the chief officers of police in determining whether to retain DNA and fingerprints taken from persons detained under the Terrorism Act 2000; and whether they will place a copy of any such guidance in the Library of the House. [HL790]

There is currently no such guidance to assist chief constables in determining whether to retain DNA and fingerprints taken from persons detained under the Terrorism Act 2000. This is not a role they currently undertake. Currently, where DNA and fingerprints are taken from a person detained under the Terrorism Act, that material may be retained indefinitely.

As the noble Baroness will be aware from the Government's announcement on 11 November, we are proposing a new retention scheme for DNA and fingerprints via the new Crime and Security Bill. When the proposed retention scheme in the Bill becomes law, we will look to place any new guidance in the House Library.