Forensic Science Service: Chorley

Mr. Hoyle
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much has been spent on updating equipment at Chorley Forensic Science Service laboratory in each of the last five years.

Mr. Alan Campbell
[holding answer 30 June 2009]: During 2004-05, £451,000 was spent on new scientific equipment for the Chorley laboratory. In 2005-06, this fell to around £233,000 and in 2006-07, dropped to just under £48,000. In 2007-08 this figure stood at £163,000. There has been no spend on equipment during 2008-09.

Mr. Hoyle
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations have been received from (a) police forces in the North West, (b) coroners based in the North West and (c) the Isle of Man Government on the proposed closure of the Forensic Science Service laboratory in Chorley.

Mr. Alan Campbell
As part of ongoing discussions with customers regarding the proposed restructure of the Forensic Science Service, senior staff from the company  recently met with the north west Association of Chief Police Officers procurement lead from Cheshire constabulary, at his request, to discuss the plans in detail.

There have been no representations from coroners or from the Isle of Man Government.