RETENTION OF DNA SAMPLES

Early day motion 2603, tabled 19 July 2006 by Baroness Featherstone (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 29 members.

That this House recognises the vital role DNA and the DNA database play in the detection of crimes but is concerned about the retention of DNA on the National Police Database of those individuals who are neither charged nor cautioned; further recognises the potential detrimental effect the retention of DNA has on innocent juveniles; further recognises that there is a disproportionate number of DNA samples retained from members of black and ethnic minorities; and therefore calls on the Government to bring forward legislation to remove the DNA samples of non-charged and non-cautioned individuals currently on the database, except when the individuals concerned give their express consent to the retention of their DNA.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 14, Labour 10, Conservative 4, Plaid Cymru 1.